Ride-hailing company Bolt has introduced a new safety feature in Kenya that empowers drivers to flag high-risk locations.

• Drivers can now suggest specific destinations they deem unsafe, which are then verified by Bolt's safety team.
• Verified high-risk locations will trigger a notification for drivers accepting trip requests, allowing them to decline without penalty.
• This enhancement, driven by driver feedback, aims to provide greater driver autonomy and confidence in assessing trip risks, according to Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager, East Africa at Bolt.

SanlamAllianz Life Insurance Kenya has launched a new Income Drawdown (IDD) Fund to provide Kenyan retirees with flexible income options and continued investment growth for their savings.

• The fund aims to address concerns that many retirees exhaust lump-sum pension withdrawals within three years.
• Key features include flexible monthly, quarterly, or annual withdrawals (capped at 12% annually), a guaranteed minimum return of 5%, and market-linked growth with a 15% net return in 2024.
• Jacqueline Karasha, CEO of SanlamAllianz Life Insurance, highlighted that the fund allows savings to continue growing while retirees receive regular income.

Kenyan e-mobility startup BasiGo is attempting to revolutionize Nairobi's chaotic public transit system by introducing scheduled electric buses, a stark contrast to the existing informal minibus network.

• BasiGo faces entrenched transport cartels and regulatory hurdles, similar to the failed venture of SWVL.
• The company utilizes a "Jenga" partnership model, integrating its electric buses and booking system with existing Saccos (commuter cooperative societies).
• BasiGo's electric buses offer a premium service, costing KES 150-200 per trip, aiming to attract corporate commuters seeking reliability and time savings.