The National Transport and Safety Authority NTSA has reportedly rejected the request by online taxi firm Bolt to renew its operating license.

With the license just 17 days away from expiring, the Kenya Transport regulator has accused the company of violating the Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Owners, Drivers, and Passengers Regulations, 2022.

Bolt has been accused of breaches, including illegal commission charges and booking fee among others.

 NTSA Deputy Licensing Director Cosmas Ngeso had early last week written to Bolt country manager Linda Ndungu informing her of the development , asking the company to addresses the breaches or else risking losing its operation permits by the end of October.

“In light of these, we urgently request you to provide us with a concrete plan of action outlining steps your company intends to take to rectify this situation.” said Mr. Ngeso.

The Authority has however stated it will renew the license if and when the company is in compliance with the TNC regulations.

“We will be available to consider renewing your licence as soon as these issues are addressed. We look forward to receiving your response and compliance at the earliest convenience,” 

On the other hand Bolt manager in response to the allegation has stated that :

“The booking fee assists with covering support and enhanced technological features that ensure an even more efficient service on our platform,”

The Estonia-headquartered taxi-hailing firm was introduced in the Kenyan market as Taxify in 2016 and it has its operations in 16 towns in the country.

In June this year the company was rocked with controversy after Media personality Ciru Muriuki reported that her daughter was Kidnapped after ordering a Bolt ride in Nairobi’s Westlands area.

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The company worked with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to trace the mentioned car after the kidnappers asked for 500,000 ransom for Ciru Muriuki’s daughter and her friend whom they where together with during the Kidnapping.

Bolt later on issued a statement asking Kenyans to be warry of the vehicles and drivers whose details do not match the ones on the app.