The County Government of Mombasa has taken a bold step in deepening its collaboration with Bolt to create more opportunities for young people while improving safety and regulation in the ride-hailing sector. This new partnership marks a significant milestone in unlocking decent work for youth and aligning the transport sector with the county’s broader inclusive growth vision.
Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir hosted a high-level delegation from Bolt, where discussions focused on scaling up operations, creating more income opportunities, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for Mombasa’s youth. Currently, Bolt provides employment for more than 1,000 riders in the county, a number expected to rise significantly as the collaboration expands.
As part of the initiative, Bolt will strengthen its presence by leveraging public market spaces as operational hubs. This innovative approach will make it easier for young people to access the platform, build careers in the gig economy, and take part in Mombasa’s growing digital transformation. The strategy reflects a deliberate effort to combine economic empowerment with accessibility and inclusion.
Safety and professionalism remain central to the partnership. One of the key highlights is the joint effort to license riders through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a framework that acknowledges the skills and experience of those already active in the sector. This move will enhance rider credibility, improve service standards, and build greater public trust in the ride-hailing industry.
Governor Nassir reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering strategic public-private partnerships as pathways to youth empowerment. He emphasized that Mombasa’s young people are the backbone of its future and that initiatives like this ensure they can earn a living, support their families, and contribute to the local economy. Bolt echoed this sentiment, highlighting Mombasa’s role as a dynamic urban and economic hub, and pledged its commitment to work closely with county authorities to create a well-regulated and thriving mobility ecosystem.
This collaboration is not just about transport—it is about creating jobs, building an inclusive economy, and setting the foundation for sustainable growth. By bridging innovation with regulation, the County Government of Mombasa and Bolt are demonstrating how meaningful partnerships can empower youth, enhance safety, and shape a modern mobility sector.
