The Kenyan edition of the Bolt accelerator program came to an end today after the ride-hailing company awarded 10 drivers with about KSh 288,000 (€2,000) each in a ceremony at the Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi.
The program, which began in April 2024, received over 800 applications from Bolt drivers and couriers who pitched various sustainable transport ideas. The application list was narrowed to 120 candidates who were introduced to the Bolt Academy where they were trained on business and idea-presentation skills.The program, which was founded in partnership with the Nest Innovation Technology Park, picked the top 20 candidates- who then compete for the ultimate prize. “To the winners, your dedication and creativity have rightfully earned you this recognition, along with €2,000 in seed funding. We are eager to see where your entrepreneurial journey leads from here,” Bolt’s country General Manager Bolt, Linda Ndung’u said.
The panel of judges on the pitch day sought to discover innovative, feasible, and impactful solutions from the 20 drivers. Some of them included portable charging stations for electric vehicles, revolutionary ways to add value in the food and groceries delivery business, and solutions conscious of persons living with disabilities.
“Programs like the Bolt Accelerator are essential for driving innovation and entrepreneurship in Kenya. By offering resources, mentorship, and financial backing, individuals are empowered and this in turn helps boost Kenya’s GDP. A vibrant startup ecosystem fosters job creation, attracts foreign investment, and strengthens economic resilience,” Oluwajoba Oloba, Co-Founder of The Nest Innovation Technology Park said.
The victorious drivers will be mentored for six weeks and will be linked up with industry pioneers and supporting tools to help them transform their seed funding into practical and beneficial solutions.
Bolt also awarded participants like Adrian Kagiri Amunga (Most Innovative Idea), Antony Gwaro Nyangaresi (Most Scalable Idea) and Teddy Muthami Muriithi (Best Pitch). The Principal Secretary in the State Department of MSME Development, Susan Auma, remarked that the private sector’s efforts in fostering innovation and supporting brilliant individuals aligned with Kenya’s 2030 vision of economic prosperity.
“The Government is committed to empowering drivers and fostering entrepreneurship. We will continue to partner with the private sector to provide a conducive environment for growth and development of the service industry,” said PS Auma.
The first edition of the Bolt accelerator program was held in Nigeria in September last year. It was later replicated in Kenya and Ghana, which are also key markets for the ride-hailing platform in Africa. The Nest Innovation Park as a hub for innovation realizes that couriers have an affinity for invention. Drivers interact with many customers, identifying gaps and opportunities in the mobility sector as well as related areas
“Our driver and courier partners are at the very core of the Bolt ecosystem. They are not just service providers; but are essential members of a broader community that keeps millions of people connected across Kenya and beyond. We recognise that, and today we are happy to be celebrating their importance and investing in their future,” Linda Ndung’u said.
