Ride-hailing company Bolt Kenya has recorded a significant 46 percent drop in offline (off-app) trips over the past six months, attributing the decline to intensified safety protocols and stricter enforcement of platform policies.
The reduction signals increased compliance with Bolt’s safety standards and marks a critical step toward safer ride-hailing practices in the country. According to Bolt, the move is a direct result of enhanced efforts to detect and prevent trips conducted outside the app, which compromise vital safety features like GPS tracking, identity verification, and emergency support systems.
“This decline in offline trips signals a major shift toward safer, more accountable ride-hailing behavior in the market,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, Bolt’s General Manager for Kenya and Tanzania. “It reflects the impact of our work behind the scenes to protect passengers and drivers and to ensure the integrity of every trip on our platform.”
To curb off-app transactions, Bolt has implemented a zero-tolerance policy for violators, introduced real-time ride monitoring, and launched an automated system that flags suspicious behavior. Additionally, the company has scaled up driver training and launched awareness campaigns targeting both riders and drivers on the dangers of off-app rides.
Offline trips have long been a concern within the ride-hailing sector due to the safety risks they pose when trips are not tracked, verified, or supported by platform policies. By actively reducing such incidents, Bolt is reinforcing its commitment to a secure and reliable transport ecosystem.
“Safety is not just a feature; it’s a culture we’re building across the platform, trip by trip,” added Kanyankole. “While we are proud of this progress, we recognize that more work lies ahead. We will continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders, regulators, and the public to raise safety standards across the board.”
Bolt is urging users to always use the app to book rides, stressing that app-based trips offer essential protections such as live tracking, driver ratings, in-app emergency alerts, and 24/7 customer support. The company reiterated its dedication to leveraging technology and partnerships to further enhance safety and accountability in the ride-hailing industry.