Here’s why Kenyans are uninstalling Bolt app. #deleteboltapp trends
Written by Joan Aimuengheuwa
Mobility platform, Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, focused on ensuring affordability, ease and sustainability in urban travel, has taken a step in Kenya which is considered ‘unreasonable’ by the public.
Recently, one of the company’s drivers was assaulted by female passengers. Rather than Bolt taking adequate actions, the company suspended the driver who was the victim.
A video clip of the situation was spread on social media, showing the female passengers insulting and throwing stones at the Bolt driver who threatened to sue them.
Alarms have been raised as to why the company deemed it fit to suspend the driver rather than taking legal actions.
The answer to this might not be too far as Bolt’s policy rates its clients higher than its drivers, but this seems to be on the extreme.
Kenyans have stormed Twitter with the hashtag #deleteboltapp. Several comments have been made against the action, terming the act as unjustifiable and unreasonable. These comments include:
These Ladies assaulted a Bolt Driver on camera, We all expected them to suspend those ladies from using their app, but instead, wamefukuza dere. #DeleteBoltApp
I didn’t have bolt originally but because of how mad I am at them for siding with criminals I am going to download it and uninstall it!#DeleteBoltApp
Personally I have been using Bolt App only and none of the others when I need to hail a Taxi Cab. However, considering this turn of events, #DeleteBoltApp
Bolt has been a valuable transportation company well leveraged by many. Available in over 300 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America, the company recently raised €600,000,000, increasing its valuation to €4,000,000,000.
The funds were raised from Sequoia, Tekne Capital, Ghisallo, G Squared, D1 Capital, as well as Naya and helped the company boost its new grocery delivery service, Bolt Market, and accelerate expansion of its existing mobility and delivery products.
The company’s goal is to make people’s lives better by saving them time and money, reducing stress and improving cities but the question is: How will Bolt survive and overcome the current situation in Kenya?
With the tap of a button on the Bolt app, you can order a ride, get picked up by a nearby driver, and enjoy a low-cost rides to chosen destinations.
But these are not the priorities of Kenyans right now as there are of course substitutes to the services provided. This single action by the company tapped the wrong button.
