NTSA renews Bolt's operating licence

The National Transport Safety Authority has renewed the operating license for the taxi-ailing app Bolt Kenya.

A certificate of license seen by the Eastleigh Voice shows that Bolt has been allowed to conduct its transport activities in Kenya for a further year starting Monday.

"This is to certify that Bolt Operations OU of Plot No. L.R. NO: 209/22216 has been duly licensed by the National Transport and Safety Authority under licence No. NTSA/TNC/2023/004 to conduct transport network business in Kenya pursuant to and in accordance with the provision of the National Transport and Safety Authority (Transport Network Companies, Owners, Drivers, and Passengers) Regulations, 2022," the Certificate of Licence dated October 30 read.

NTSA said the license had been issued subject to full compliance with the provisions of the National Transport and Safety Authority Act, 2012 (No. 33 of 2012) and The National Transport and Safety Authority (Transport Network

Companies, Owners, Drivers and Passengers) Regulations, 2022.

However, NTSA said the licence may be withdrawn in the event of violation of any provision of the said legislation.

The renewal comes amid complaints by customers and other taxi-hailing operators over the conduct of Bolt drivers and alleged violations of existing laws.

Earlier this month, NTSA raised concerns about Bolt and its competitors including Little Cab and Uber, alleging violations of the Transportation Network Companies (TNC), Owners, Drivers, and Passengers Regulations of 2022.

Bolt drivers also complained about the commission charges and an unauthorised booking fee.

Last week, the company suspended one of its drivers after his video went viral allegedly showing him exposing his private parts to a female customer.

The company said the decision was in line with its policies.

“Bolt, as part of its zero tolerance to this type of behaviour, has suspended the mentioned driver from providing any further services on our platform,” the company said.