Ride-hailing platform Bolt has confirmed it will remain in Kenya, dismissing a viral letter that suggested the firm would leave the country by June 8.
The company has branded the document as entirely fake and urged the public to disregard it.
The fraudulent letter appeared on various social media platforms and messaging apps at the start of June. It appeared to be an official communication, claiming that Bolt would cease all operations in the Kenyan market.
This sparked immediate concern among thousands of drivers and passengers who rely on the app daily.
Clearing the Air
Bolt acted quickly to address the confusion. On 1 June, the company released an official statement to set the record straight. Dimmy Kanyankole, the Senior General Manager for East Africa, signed the notice to reassure the public.
"We wish to categorically state that this document is FAKE and did not originate from Bolt Kenya or any of its authorised representatives," the statement read.
The company confirmed that it remains fully operational. It also stated its continued commitment to serving its driver-partners and customers across Kenya.
Investigating the Source
The situation comes at a time when the digital economy in Kenya is facing increased scrutiny, particularly regarding online taxes and new regulations. While these discussions have created a tense atmosphere for tech firms, Bolt insists its focus remains on the local market.
The company is not taking the matter of the fake letter lightly. Bolt is currently investigating where the fabricated document came from. They have promised to take "appropriate action" against those responsible for creating and spreading the misleading information.
"Bolt continues to operate normally in Kenya and remains focused on delivering safe, reliable, and innovative services while creating economic opportunities across the country."
A Warning to the Public
Bolt has urged its community to be cautious about what they share online. The firm asked driver-partners and customers to refrain from amplifying this misinformation. Instead, they should rely only on official communications from the company.
For those seeking "accurate information" or official updates, Bolt points to its verified channels. These include the official website, verified social media accounts, and the Bolt app itself.
The company encourages any stakeholders who are unsure about news they see online to contact their communications team directly for clarification. For now, it is business as usual for the green-branded taxis on Kenyan roads.
