The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has denied the taxi-hailing app Bolt an operating licence.
Multiple reports seen by Nairobi Leo indicate that NTSA denied Bolt's licence renewal until they sort out concerns raised against them.
The app is accused of violating the regulations on Transportation Network Companies owners, drivers and passengers.
NTSA Deputy Director Cosmas Ngeso is reported to have written to Bolt's country manager Linda Ndung'u informing her of the decision not to renew the licence.
"Please note that the Authority is not able to proceed with the renewal of your operator license until the issues raised by drivers and their representatives are satisfactorily addressed and rectified," Ngeso stated.
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Massive complaints by the drivers are said to have contributed to the woes facing Bolt.
NTSA now wants Bolt to sort out the issues of concern before October 28 when its licence is expected to expire.
NTSA expressed commitment to renewing the licence once the issues raised by concerned parties are addressed.
“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,” Ngeso said.
The taxi-hailing app entered the Kenyan market in 2016 and the denial of licence could be a big blow to many.
Bolt currently operates in Kakamega, Nakuru, Naivasha, Eldoret, Kitale, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Nanyuki, Karatina, Kilifi and Malindi.
It operates in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Tunisia.
Bolt is estimated to have over 47 million customers and 900,000 drivers on its platform.
