Bolt, a ride-hailing platform in Kenya, introduces its Family Profile feature, enabling users to manage and pay for trips for up to nine others from a single account, simplifying mobility for families and caregivers.
The launch is part of Bolt’s broader push to enhance convenience, safety, and inclusivity in Kenya’s growing ride-hailing sector.
According to Bolt’s internal data, an estimated 2–6% of rides are currently booked on behalf of another person, often requiring manual coordination and sharing of trip details. Family Profile streamlines this process by allowing users to invite others to join their account, set monthly spending limits, and receive live ride notifications.
“The launch of the Family Profile feature marks a significant step in empowering our customers to provide safe, seamless, and convenient transportation for their loved ones,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager for Kenya and Tanzania.
“By combining control, transparency, and flexibility in one feature, we’re proud to bring greater value and peace of mind to households across Kenya.”
Key Features
- Multi-user management: One account holder can support up to nine people, each using their own Bolt account.
- Spending controls: Monthly limits are set for individual members.
- Trip oversight: real-time alerts for trip start/end, live route tracking, and direct rider/driver contact options.
- Independent ride requests: Members using the app can order rides without coordination but under account holder supervision.
The feature maintains Bolt’s existing rider eligibility policies.
“Family accounts do not change Bolt’s core policies around rider eligibility. Each member added must have their own Bolt account and meet our minimum age requirement of 18,” Bolt clarified.
Who Benefits Most?
Family Profile is designed to support parents, caregivers, and users assisting older relatives who may not regularly use smartphones or ride-hailing apps.
Bolt reports that ride-hailing usage is growing most rapidly among older adults, but challenges such as technological complexity and payment restrictions persist. This feature addresses these barriers, enabling mobility for users without requiring app expertise.
The rollout complements Bolt’s existing safety tools—trip verification codes, emergency assistance buttons, real-time location sharing, and 24/7 ride monitoring.
