Bolt rewards top-rated drivers with fuel, tyres and service vouchers

From left: Arthur Gacharia, Senior Operations Manager, with some of the top-performing drivers at the Bolt Driver Engagement Centre during an event to mark Customer Service Week.Bolt has recognised its top-performing drivers in Nairobi and Mombasa during Customer Service Week, rewarding them for their consistency and commitment to serving passengers.

The drivers, who have each spent at least six months on the ride-hailing platform, operate cars and boda bodas. Their rewards include fuel and vehicle service vouchers, tyres and other support aimed at recognising their contribution to the service.

The awards were presented at the Nairobi Driver Engagement Center, bringing the week’s activities to a close. Visiting drivers also received breakfast, T-shirts and reflector vests.

Arthur Gacharia, Bolt’s Senior Operations Manager, said the recognition was intended to acknowledge the work drivers put into ensuring reliable service.

“Drivers are often the first and last point of contact in a ride-hailing journey, and their work directly shapes the experience a customer has,” Gacharia said.

He said Customer Service Week provided an opportunity to recognise drivers’ contribution and the responsibility involved in serving passengers daily.

“Recognising drivers means recognising the time, effort and responsibility that goes into every journey, and the role they play in keeping our cities moving,” he added.

The recognition comes as drivers in Kenya continue to navigate challenges linked to changing customer expectations, road safety concerns, operating costs and an evolving regulatory environment.

Samson Ouma, one of the recognised drivers, said maintaining positive ratings required discipline and consistency.

“Maintaining good ratings takes discipline, consistency and a strong commitment to our work,” Ouma said.

He thanked Bolt for recognising drivers’ efforts and investing in safety, while acknowledging passengers who use the platform.

“Their trust motivates us to keep improving and delivering a better experience for everyone,” he said.

Over the past year, Bolt has introduced initiatives aimed at addressing some of the challenges facing drivers.

In partnership with the Kenya Red Cross, the company trained 75 boda boda riders in first aid and emergency response skills to help them respond to road emergencies.

The initiative is being monitored and evaluated to establish opportunities for expansion.

Bolt has also partnered with M-KOPA to support drivers transitioning to electric mobility. Through the partnership, thousands of drivers have accessed electric motorcycles with lower upfront financing requirements and reduced running and maintenance costs compared with petrol-powered motorcycles.

According to the company, seven in ten vehicles operating on its platform in Kenya are currently electric.

Bolt has also engaged driver representatives, policymakers and regulators on issues affecting drivers and the wider ride-hailing sector.

The company operates in more than 50 countries and 850 cities, providing ride-hailing, scooter and e-bike rental, and car rental services. It says more than 200 million customers use its services globally, supported by over 4.5 million drivers.Martine Andrea Oloo, the top-performing boda boda rider, receives an award from Sandra Buyole, Regional PR Manager, Africa, at the Bolt Driver Engagement Centre during an event marking Customer Service Week.Samson Ouma, the top-performing driver in the four-wheeler category, receives an award from Arthur Gacharia, Senior Operations Manager, during an event to mark Customer Service Week.Denis Muiru, the third top-performing four-wheeler driver, at the Bolt Driver Engagement Centre during an event to mark Customer Service Week.Michael Maina, the second top-performing driver, at the Bolt Driver Engagement Centre during an event to mark Customer Service Week.