Ride-hailing firm Bolt has stepped up its collaboration with Nairobi City County and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to improve road safety, promote compliance with traffic regulations and encourage responsible ride-hailing services in the capital. The partnership was reinforced during a joint driver safety and compliance engagement that brought together motorbike and vehicle drivers, county transport officials, NTSA representatives and emergency response provider RESCUE.CO.
The meeting focused on educating drivers about road safety requirements, county transport regulations and how technology can help improve the safety of passengers and other road users. It also provided an opportunity for drivers to raise concerns affecting their daily operations and engage directly with authorities responsible for transport management in Nairobi.
Bolt Calls for Cooperation to Improve Road Safety
Bolt Kenya Public Policy Manager Benjamin Sulle emphasised the importance of collaboration between government agencies, ride-hailing platforms and drivers in addressing transport challenges. Sulle said technology alone could not guarantee safer roads, noting that sustained cooperation among industry players and regulators was necessary to improve safety standards and compliance.
He explained that joint engagements allow stakeholders to clarify existing regulations, address operational challenges and identify practical measures to make ride-hailing services safer. The company said it would continue working with transport authorities and drivers to promote responsible practices across the sector.
NTSA Highlights Dangerous Driving Practices
During the engagement, NTSA officials outlined essential road safety requirements and warned drivers against behaviours that increase the risk of accidents. Among the practices highlighted were speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane-splitting and driving while fatigued.
Drivers were encouraged to follow traffic rules, remain attentive while on the road and adopt safer driving habits to protect themselves, passengers and other road users. Participants also committed to observing traffic regulations and improving their compliance with established road safety standards.
Nairobi County Educates Drivers on Transport Regulations
Nairobi City County’s Mobility Department used the session to explain the county by-laws governing transport operations within the city. The briefing covered traffic management, parking regulations and other requirements affecting drivers working in Nairobi.
The engagement aimed to improve drivers’ understanding of their responsibilities and reduce potential conflicts arising from non-compliance with county regulations. Officials also provided an opportunity for drivers to raise concerns about the challenges they encounter while operating in the city.
RESCUE.CO Demonstrates Emergency Response Procedures
Emergency preparedness was another key focus of the meeting, with RESCUE.CO demonstrating how drivers should access emergency assistance when incidents occur. The demonstration covered when to activate emergency services and how emergency situations are handled. Drivers were also reminded of the importance of reporting incidents accurately and promptly to enable the relevant teams to respond effectively.
Bolt Highlights In-App Safety Features
Bolt used the engagement to educate drivers on digital tools designed to support safer trips and improve responses to emergencies. The features highlighted included Emergency Assist, Trip Sharing, Trusted Contacts, Unsafe Area Alerts and Trip Anomaly Detection. These tools are intended to help users access assistance, share trip information and identify situations that may require further attention. The session also stressed the importance of accurate incident reporting to help Bolt’s Safety team investigate reported cases and follow up appropriately.
Bolt Pledges Continued Engagement With Transport Authorities
The engagement comes as Nairobi continues to address road safety, traffic management and compliance challenges associated with urban transport. Bolt said it would maintain cooperation with relevant stakeholders through driver education, regulatory awareness initiatives and other measures aimed at promoting responsible ride-hailing operations.
The company noted that sustained communication between drivers, technology platforms and government agencies remains important in improving safety and ensuring that transport services operate within the law. Through the initiative, Bolt aims to support safer urban mobility by combining driver training, technology and closer coordination with transport regulators.
