Bolt has unveiled a new in-app safety enhancement in Kenya that allows drivers to flag locations they perceive as high-risk.
The feature enables drivers to suggest specific destinations where they have experienced or anticipate safety concerns. According to Bolt, submissions are reviewed by its safety team using aggregated trip data, historical safety reports, and internal platform risk indicators before any location is mapped within the app.
Once verified, drivers will receive a clear notification when a trip request involves a mapped high-risk destination. Drivers who choose to decline such trips will not face penalties, temporary suspensions or rating reductions.
Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager, East Africa at Bolt, said the enhancement reflects direct feedback from drivers seeking greater visibility and autonomy when assessing trip risks.
“Safety is at the core of our business. Our driver partners are the backbone of our platform, and this enhancement gives them greater awareness and the confidence to make informed decisions without fear of penalties. It is about empowering drivers while strengthening trust across the platform,” Kanyankole said.
Bolt emphasized that the feature is grounded strictly in safety-related data and verified driver-reported incidents, and not demographic or socioeconomic characteristics. The company noted that locations are not automatically labeled based on a single report. Instead, each submission undergoes a structured review process before being mapped.
The feature does not block riders from requesting trips or drivers from accepting them. It acts like an advisory tool that allows drivers to make informed choices while preserving access to the platform.
The rollout builds on Bolt’s existing safety ecosystem. This includes real-time trip tracking, in-app emergency assistance features, two-way rating systems, 24/7 safety support and ongoing driver engagement initiatives.
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