400 delivery riders in Mombasa will receive formal training and a pathway to National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) licenses under a new program launched by Bolt and the Mombasa County Government.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Licensing Program will allow experienced riders to have skills gained through practical work assessed, recognized, and certified.
In a statement on August 26, 2026, Bolt said it launched the program at Tononoka Social Hall in Mombasa as part of a broader partnership with the county government to professionalize the delivery sector, improve safety, and expand economic opportunities for young people.
21 Days of Accredited Training
The 400 riders enrolled in the program will undergo 21 days of accredited training delivered by a certified driving school.
After completing the training and demonstrating the required competency, the riders will qualify for NTSA licensing in line with traffic law requirements.
Benjamin Sulle, Public Policy Manager at Bolt, said the program was intended to address the gap between the practical skills experienced riders possess and the formal recognition of those skills.
“A license has to be earned through demonstrated, certified competency, which is why every rider on this program completes 21 days of accredited training before they are licensed.”
Sulle said licensing could also expand opportunities for riders beyond food delivery.
“Once they are, the opportunity extends well beyond food delivery.”
Bolt Invests KSh1.5 Million
Bolt said it has invested KSh1.5 million to support rider and driver compliance, training and licensing, and the digitization of transport businesses across Mombasa County.
The program follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Bolt and the county government in January 2026. The wider partnership also covers support for local businesses to adopt digital platforms and the sharing of trip and demand data to assist transport infrastructure planning, including the placement of electric vehicle charging points.
Arthur Gacharia, Bolt’s Senior Operations Manager for Rides in Kenya, said the investment demonstrated the company’s commitment to Mombasa’s transport sector.
“The investment made into the Recognition of Prior Learning is a demonstration of our commitment to supporting Mombasa County’s vision for a modern, safe and technology-enabled transport ecosystem.”
Mombasa Governor Welcomes Partnership
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, who presided over the launch, welcomed the partnership between the county and Bolt.
“By formally recognizing the skills our riders already have and giving them a clear path to a license and a livelihood they can be proud of, this program reflects our vision of a competitive, inclusive and future-ready Mombasa.”
Bolt said properly licensed riders could access the formal courier economy, including parcel delivery. The company also said it is the only platform in Kenya with a national courier license.
The partnership is also expected to support greater adoption of digital services by small and medium-sized enterprises and contribute to a more organized transport sector in Mombasa.
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