Mombasa County And Bolt Partner to expand youth employment

The County Government of Mombasa is deepening its collaboration with Bolt in a new partnership that will expand youth employment opportunities and improve safety and regulation in the ride-hailing industry.

Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir today hosted a delegation from Bolt at his office to discuss ways of scaling up the company’s operations and creating more income opportunities for Mombasa’s young people. Currently, Bolt provides livelihoods for over 1,000 riders across the county.

Through this collaboration, Bolt plans to strengthen its presence in Mombasa by leveraging public market spaces as operational hubs. This approach will make it easier for more young people to join the platform, access decent work, and participate meaningfully in the growing digital and gig economy.

Governor Nassir reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with the private sector to drive inclusive growth and create pathways for youth empowerment.

“Our young people are the backbone of Mombasa’s future. By working with innovative partners like Bolt, we are creating real opportunities for them to earn a living, support their families, and contribute to our economy,” said Governor Nassir. “We are also keen on enhancing safety and professionalism in the sector through the recognition of prior learning and licensing of riders.”

A key feature of the partnership will be joint efforts to support the licensing of riders through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL); a framework that acknowledges the skills and experience of youth already working in the ride-hailing sector. This initiative will not only enhance safety and regulation but also improve service standards and strengthen public confidence in the industry.

Bolt welcomed the county government’s commitment and emphasized Mombasa’s strategic importance as a growing urban and economic hub. The company expressed readiness to work closely with county authorities to onboard more riders and create a safe, well-regulated environment for the sector to thrive.

Speaking during the meeting, Edgar Kitur, General Manager, Bolt Food, Kenya, said: ” Bolt recognises Mombasa’s pivotal role as a dynamic business and economic hub and commends the county government for its forward-looking commitment to development. We are pleased to partner with the county in expanding rider integration and advancing a safe, well-regulated environment that supports the sustainable growth of the mobility sector.”

This partnership forms part of Governor Nassir’s broader agenda to unlock jobs for young people, support innovation, and create an enabling environment for private sector investment as part of Mombasa’s inclusive growth vision.

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