In the past few days, Bolt app has faced a Public Relations crisis. This was after the taxi hailing app was implicated in a Nairobi Kidnap case. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a statement claiming the victims had hailed a cab via the app.
However, their would-be driver turned abductor with the help of an accomplice hiding in the car’s boot. A number of Kenyans took to different online platforms urging others to completely boycott the app.
Furthermore, this was not helped by a statement from the victim’s mother. Ciku Muiruri via her social media alleged the suspects had warned her daughter and friend to specifically keep off the app. She alleged the suspects had stated Bolt is not safe past midnight and is used by criminals.
Following the incident, Bolt issued a statement acknowledging the incident. However, the statement was not well received by a section of Kenyans. A number of people took online claiming the statement blamed the victim instead of acknowledging the mistakes. Bolt has faced a number of safety allegations in the past.
PR Manager to Oversee Africa Activities
As per a post on the company’s LinkedIn page , the compay is hiring a PR Manager. The PR Manager will be responsible for Africa.
The job post went up on the 14th of June. However, Bolt claims the position has been open since May. In a statement, the company adds that the vacancy “is not related to the prevailing circumstances“.
The main duties will be creating and delivering strategic communication plans for different markets. Furthermore, the PR Manager will handle local press officers and external PR.
Currently, Bolt is operating in 6 countries in Africa. These are South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and Tunisia.
At the time of writing, the position had 65 applicants. It remains to be seen whether the move will stem the online onslaught the company has been facing.
