Bolt Kenya Clarifies 5% Cut On Each Ride To Support Flood Victims Won't Affect Driver Earnings

• Bolt Kenya partnered with the Kenya Red Cross to support flood victims across the country
• Through the Flood Assist programme, the ride-hailing firm contributed KSh 5 million, setting a target to collect KSh 10 million from its ride revenue
• Bolt Kenya manager Linda Ndung'u said the company will deduct 5% of revenue from each ride taken
• Ndung'u explained to TUKO.co.ke that the 5% deduction would not affect the drivers' revenue from the ride

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia brings over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Digital taxi-hailing firm Bolt has clarified the implementation of the 5% deduction associated with the Flood Assist feature, assuring that this deduction will not impact the earnings of its drivers in Kenya.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the company's country manager, Linda Ndung'u, explained that the amount would be wholly deducted from ride revenue and not driver revenue.

"For every ride taken on the Flood Assist category, Bolt will give 5% of its ride revenue towards supporting the victims of the recent floods. This will not in any way affect the drivers' earnings," said Ndung'u.

This followed a partnership signed between the taxi-hailing firm and the Kenya Red Cross, aimed at supporting victims of floods that recently hit Kenya.

Through a new category on its app, the "Flood Assist" category, Bolt sought to donate KSh 10 million, with its initial contribution standing at KSh 5 million.

Ndung'u encouraged Kenyans to patronise the product in support of flood relief efforts.

How floods affected Bolt Taxi business

When asked whether the flood situation affected the company's operations, the manager explained that Bolt Taxi drivers were unable to execute their duties.

"With extreme floods making roads impassable, both drivers and riders faced difficulties: drivers couldn’t offer services, and riders struggled to find transportation.

"However, as the rains have continued to diminish and floodwaters receded, regular services have gradually resumed in most parts of the country," she said

What Bolt Taxi drivers said about the flood donations

Bolt taxi drivers had developed jitters following the announcement that 5% of each ride's revenue would be pushed to the programme.

"I did not understand how the Flood Assist category works. So, I advised my customers not to use it since there are no floods where I operate from. But I now get the picture and will accept those rides," one of the drivers who sought anonymity told TUKO.co.ke.

Bolt maintained that the partnership would ensure that the funds raised would be used to provide relief food, relocation support, and reconstruction of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in the affected areas.

Kenya Red Cross Secretary-General Ahmed Idris welcomed the partnership, describing it as significant and timely in cushioning the country's flood victims.

"This collaboration is crucial in amplifying our efforts to reach more people and deliver the necessary aid to communities devastated by the floods," said Idris.

More about Bolt Kenya boss Linda Ndung'u

Ndung'u was appointed Bolt Kenya manager in 2022 and was charged with revolutionising the business.

Before Bolt she worked in senior positions at Coca-Cola, Deloitte and Instiglio, where she headed the Nairobi office.

Ndung'u is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing from the University of Nairobi.

How is the government supporting flood victims?

President William Ruto said no flood victim would sleep hungry as the government has set aside enough funds to buy food.

Ruto said all flood victims will get KSh 10,000 to look for alternative accommodation for three months as the government seeks a lasting solution.

The president was accompanied to Mathare by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and PS Raymond Omollo, among other government officials.

What to know about flood donations

• Former president Uhuru Kenyatta donated KSh 2 million to assist in rescue operations in areas affected by floods.
• The British High Commission Nairobi announced an emergency funding uplift of over KSh 140 million (£850,000) to support flood relief efforts in Kenya.