Ride-hailing platform Bolt, has expanded its operations to Kisumu, Kakamega, and Thika from the current two to five, making it the largest ride-hailing service provider in terms of geographical reach.
Ola Akinnusi, the Bolt Country Manager in Kenya, said that Bolt’s mission is to make urban transportation more convenient and affordable for more people, thus broadening the company’s reach, providing a platform for job creation through its social contribution.
“After Nairobi and Mombasa cities, it was natural that Bolt would gradually expand across the country. We now intend to build new communities in Kisumu, Kakamega and Thika as we continue to gain the trust of the Kenyan people,” said Akinnusi.
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“Launching in these areas will allow us to provide a safe and affordable avenue for passengers to get a ride,” said Akinnusi. With the local expansions taking place, Bolt recently launching in London widening the scope of the business that now extends to private cars, e-scooters and motorcycles as well as food delivery in some parts of the world.
Bolt provides 85% net income in Kenya to its drivers, charging a commission of 15%.
Akinnusi says the company has also helped streamline safety regulations in the industry, providing safety features such as “Share your ETA” which allows customers to share their trip details with their loved ones, adding a dimension that is not available in traditional taxis.
The company has also laid out a rapid expansion plan in East Africa with a five-year strategy focused on local transportation options such as ‘boda bodas’ and ‘tuk tuks’.
