BLINKTHEAPP - DRIVER COMMUNITY GUIDELINES Effective Date: June 2026

1. Introduction & Purpose

Welcome to BlinkTheApp (Blink). These Community Guidelines ("Guidelines") outline the standards and expectations for all drivers ("you," "your") using the Blink platform. Our goal is to ensure a safe, reliable, and respectful experience for everyone—drivers, riders, and the public. These Guidelines are incorporated by reference into the Driver Services Agreement. Violations constitute a material breach of that Agreement and may result in immediate account deactivation.

1.1 Relationship to Privacy Policies

These Community Guidelines work alongside Blink's Privacy Policies, which explain how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal data. By using the Blink platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understood both:

• Driver Privacy Policy – Explains how we handle your personal data
• Rider Privacy Policy – Explains how we handle rider data
• These Community Guidelines – Sets the standards for using the platform

In the event of a conflict between these documents, the Privacy Policies will take precedence regarding data protection matters.

2. Core Principles

By using the Blink application, you agree to comply with these Guidelines.

• Safety First: The safety of you and your riders is non-negotiable.
• Respect for All: Treat everyone with dignity and courtesy, without discrimination.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Act honestly and uphold the quality of the Blink community.
• Compliance: Adhere to all applicable Kenyan laws and Nairobi County regulations.

3. Onboarding & Driver Verification

To maintain the integrity and safety of the Blink platform, all drivers must complete a rigorous onboarding process before being approved:

3.1 Identity Verification

• Submit a valid government-issued National ID card or Passport
• Submit a clear, recent passport-sized photograph
• Provide a valid Police Clearance Certificate issued within the last 12 months
• Complete a real-time selfie verification during onboarding

3.2 Document Verification

• Submit all required NTSA documents (PSV badge, driver's license, vehicle inspection)
• Submit valid comprehensive commercial insurance with passenger liability cover
• Submit vehicle registration and logbook
• Submit SACCO membership details (where applicable)

3.3 Vehicle Inspection

• Have your vehicle physically inspected to confirm it meets Blink's mechanical and cleanliness standards
• Provide a valid NTSA inspection report

3.4 Mandatory Training

• Complete a mandatory safety training module on Blink's features, community guidelines, and safety protocols
• Training must be completed before accepting your first trip
• Periodic refresher training may be required

3.5 Ongoing Verification

•     Random selfie checks may be required to verify the account holder is the driver operating the vehicle •   You must notify Blink immediately of any changes to your vehicle, insurance, or licensing status

4. Vehicle Standards & Requirements

As an independent operator, you are solely responsible for maintaining your vehicle. To use the Blink platform, your vehicle must continuously meet the following standards:

4.1 Mandatory Legal Compliance (Vehicle-Related)

The vehicle itself must comply with all legal requirements:

• Possess a valid, up-to-date NTSA Inspection Certificate (PSV)
• Have a valid NTSA PSV (Tourist) License or equivalent endorsement for the vehicle class
• Display all required NTSA and Nairobi County government stickers, badges, and identifiers as per the law
• Maintain a valid comprehensive commercial insurance policy with adequate passenger liability cover (minimum third-party PSV cover as legally required)
• The vehicle must have been cleared by the relevant inspection department and must be roadworthy

4.2 Mechanical & Cleanliness Standards

• Roadworthiness: The vehicle must be in excellent mechanical condition with no known safety defects. This includes fully functional brakes, lights, signals, seatbelts for all passengers, wipers, horn, and steering.

Cleanliness: The vehicle's interior and exterior must be clean and presentable. The interior should be free of excessive dirt, trash, and unpleasant odors at the start of every trip.

• Functionality: All doors must open and close properly from inside and outside. Air conditioning or adequate ventilation must be functional.

5. Driver Regulatory Compliance

As a Blink driver, you are personally responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations:

5.1 NTSA Compliance (Driver-Specific)

• Maintain a valid NTSA PSV badge issued in your name
• Maintain a valid driver's license with the appropriate class for the vehicle you are operating
• Ensure your driver's license and PSV badge are always displayed or available for inspection
• Renew your PSV badge and driver's license before they expire

5.2 Nairobi County Compliance (Driver-Specific)

• Obtain and display all required county permits or badges for PSV operations
• Operate only within designated or allowed zones where your vehicle class is permitted
• Adhere to all county by-laws concerning public transport, parking, and passenger pick-up/drop-off points
• Comply with any new county regulations introduced to govern PSV operations

5.3 Payment & Fees

Cash Payments

• Cash trips are permitted on the Blink platform
• When a rider pays in cash, you collect the full fare from the rider

       •        The platform commission will be deducted from your in-app wallet

• If your wallet balance becomes negative, you will receive warnings and may be blocked from accepting further cash trips (see Section 11: Driver Wallet & Negative Balance) Card & M-Pesa Payments
• For card or M-Pesa payments, the platform commission is automatically deducted before payout
• You will receive the net amount (fare - commission - VAT) to your registered bank or M-Pesa account

General Rules

• The fare displayed in the app is the definitive fare

Do not attempt to charge additional fees

• All transactions must be processed through Blink's in-app payment system
• Stiffed rides (rider doesn't pay): You must report non-payment through the app immediately. The fare amount will be added to your negative balance. Stiffed rides do NOT count toward your 5-ride limit (see Section 11).

5.4 Tax Compliance

• Maintain a valid KRA PIN
• File tax returns as required by law
• Keep accurate records of earnings from the Blink platform
• Comply with all tax obligations under the Tax Procedures Act, 2015

5.5 Insurance Compliance (Driver-Specific)

• Ensure your commercial insurance policy is always valid and up to date
• Carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times
• Notify Blink immediately if your insurance lapses or is cancelled

6. Driver Conduct & Professionalism

6.1. Before and During the Trip:

• Verification: Confirm the rider's identity by asking for their name or verifying the trip code in the app.
• Navigation: Use the Blink navigation or a reliable GPS to follow the efficient route. Significant deviations from the app's suggested route require a clear reason (e.g., traffic, road closure) and, where possible, the rider's consent.
• Safety: Do not use your mobile phone while the vehicle is in motion. Use a hands-free mount if you need to view navigation. Pull over safely to handle calls or messages.
• Focus: Do not drive while fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, drugs (including prescription drugs that cause drowsiness), or any impairing substance.

6.2. Interaction with Riders:

• Courtesy: Greet riders politely and use appropriate language. Respect a rider's preference for quiet or conversation.
• Non-Discrimination: You must provide services without discrimination based on race, tribe, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, gender identity, age, or any other protected characteristic under Kenyan law. This includes not refusing service based on a rider's destination within Nairobi.

Safety-Based Declines: While discrimination is prohibited, you may decline a ride request for legitimate personal safety concerns or other non-discriminatory reasons (e.g., rider appears violently intoxicated, pickup location is unsafe). Persistent refusal patterns may be reviewed for compliance.

• Harassment: Any form of harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse, sexual advances, or inappropriate physical contact is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate deactivation.
• Privacy: Do not ask personal or intrusive questions. Do not record conversations without consent. Do not share a rider's personal information, trip details, or contact information with anyone.

7. Recording Features

7.1 Dash Cams and Recording Devices

If you choose to install a dash cam or other recording device in your vehicle:

• You are solely responsible for compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019
• You must display clear, visible notice in your vehicle that recording is taking place
• You must obtain consent from passengers where required by law
• Recordings are stored on your device or encrypted cloud storage
• Blink does not access your recordings unless voluntarily provided for dispute resolution
• Recordings may be shared voluntarily with law enforcement or insurers for incident investigation

7.2 Platform-Initiated Recording

If Blink introduces optional in-app audio or video recording:  

• You will be notified before any trip where recording is enabled
• Recordings are encrypted and stored on your device
• Blink cannot access recordings unless you voluntarily share them
• Recordings can only be shared with Blink or authorities to investigate a safety incident

Important: When using third-party recording apps, you act as a data controller for the personal data you collect. You are solely responsible for your individual compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019. Failure to comply with legal requirements, including displaying clear notices and obtaining consent, may result in account review or deactivation.

8. Prohibited Activities

You are strictly prohibited from engaging in any of the following while using the Blink platform:

8.1. Safety & Legal Violations:

• Driving without a valid Kenyan driver's license, PSV license, or valid insurance.

Operating an unsafe or non-roadworthy vehicle.

• Carrying more passengers than the vehicle's legal seat capacity or seatbelt availability.
• Transporting illegal substances, firearms, or other prohibited items.
• Committing any traffic offence, including speeding, reckless driving, or ignoring traffic signals.

8.2. Platform Integrity:

• Fraud: Creating fake accounts, accepting fake rides (colluding with others), manipulating the GPS location, falsifying documents, or engaging in any activity to defraud Blink or riders.
• Account Sharing: Allowing another person to use your Blink driver account. The registered account holder must be the driver operating the vehicle.
• Impersonation: Posing as a Blink employee, agent, or another driver.
• Data Misuse: Misusing rider or platform data for any purpose outside the provision of services. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Sharing rider contact information with third parties
2. Using rider data for personal gain or harassment
3. Failing to protect rider data as required by the Data Protection Act, 2019
4. Violating Blink's Privacy Policies (see Section 10)

8.3. Service Integrity:

• Discrimination: Refusing a ride based on a rider's destination or any protected characteristic.
• Cancellations: Excessive or repeated cancellation of accepted rides disrupts the service. A cancellation rate exceeding 15% over a rolling 30-day period is considered excessive and may trigger a review.
• Solicitation: Attempting to solicit riders for services outside of the Blink platform during or after a Blink trip (e.g., asking for future direct bookings).

9. Enforcement & Reporting

9.1 Reporting

Riders rate trips and can report issues directly through the app. We also use technology to monitor for potential safety incidents (e.g., abrupt acceleration/collision detection). You may also report incidents or concerns through the app or by contacting Driver Support.

9.2 Our Review

We review reports and data objectively and fairly. You may be contacted for your perspective as part of the review process. All investigations are conducted in a timely manner, and you will be informed of the outcome.

9.3 Actions

Depending on the severity of the violation, actions align with the Driver Services Agreement and may include:

• A formal warning
• Temporary suspension of account access
• Mandatory completion of a training module
• Permanent deactivation of your account for severe or repeated violations

9.4 Account Deactivation & Appeals

Grounds for Deactivation

Your account may be deactivated for violations including, but not limited to:

• Repeated safety violations
• Fraud or platform abuse
• Discrimination against riders
• Serious violations of these Community Guidelines
• Failure to maintain required licenses, insurance, or vehicle standards Appeal Process

If your account is deactivated, you have the right to appeal:

To Submit an Appeal

Note: The appeals process in this section applies to deactivation decisions. For appeals related to automated decisions (such as account flagging, fraud detection, or safety alerts), please refer to the Driver Privacy Policy, Section 7: Automated Decision-Making & Account Flagging, which provides additional rights including:

Requesting human intervention

• Contesting the decision through our appeal process
• Obtaining an explanation of the automated decision
• Viewing your complete flag history

1. Open the Blink Driver App
2. Go to Account → Appeals
3. Submit your explanation and any supporting evidence
4. Our team will review and respond within the stated timeline

10. Data Protection & Privacy

As a Blink driver, you handle personal information about riders. You are obligated to protect this data in accordance with Blink's Privacy Policies.

10.1 Rider Privacy

• Never share a rider's personal information, trip details, or contact information with anyone
• Do not ask personal or intrusive questions
• Do not record conversations without consent (see Section 6: Recording Features)
• Phone numbers are masked for both parties - do not attempt to circumvent this protection

10.2 Your Data

• Blink collects and processes your personal data as described in the Driver Privacy Policy
• You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data
• If you request account deletion, your data will be subject to a 30-day grace period before permanent deletion (see Driver Privacy Policy, Section 11.1)
• Contact our Data Protection Officer at support@blinkapp.com for data requests

10.3 Data Breach Reporting

• If you suspect a data breach involving rider information, report it immediately through the app
• Failure to report a data breach may result in account deactivation

11. Driver Wallet & Negative Balance

Blink operates a wallet system to manage driver earnings and platform commissions.

11.1 How the Wallet Works

• Your wallet tracks your earnings and commissions
• For card and M-Pesa trips, commission is deducted before payout
• For cash trips, you collect the full fare, and commission is deducted from your wallet

11.2 Negative Balance

• If your wallet balance becomes negative, you will receive pop-up warnings
• You are allowed to take a maximum of 5 rides with a negative balance
• After 5 rides, your ability to accept cash trips will be blocked

You can still accept card/ M-Pesa trips to earn and clear your debt

       •        Your app will show a message: "Top-up Wallet to Accept Cash Rides"

11.3 Stiffed Rides

• If a rider does not pay for a cash trip (stiffed ride), you must report it immediately through the app
• The fare amount will be added to your negative balance

       •       Stiffed rides do NOT count toward your 5-ride limit

11.4 Topping Up Your Wallet

• You can top up your wallet via M-Pesa or bank transfer
• Once your wallet balance is positive, your 5-ride counter resets to zero
• Your ability to accept cash trips is automatically restored

Note: Blink may introduce wait time fees in the future to compensate drivers for extended waiting periods. Drivers and riders will be notified before any such changes take effect.

12. Safety Features

Blink provides features to protect both drivers and riders. You must be familiar with and use these features effectively:

12.1 Emergency SOS Button

• An in-app button that alerts our safety team to your location for assistance during a life-threatening incident
• Pressing the SOS button triggers immediate notification to our safety team
• In critical situations, we may contact emergency services with your last known location

12.2 Selfie Check

• Drivers may be required to take a random selfie to verify their identity
• This prevents unauthorized use of your account and protects your earnings

12.3 Real-Time Trip Monitoring

• We monitor trips in real-time to detect unexpected route deviations, prolonged stops, or speed anomalies
• If a safety incident is detected, our safety team may contact you or the rider

12.4 Share My Trip (Rider Feature)

• Riders can share their trip details with trusted contacts
• You should be aware that riders may have someone monitoring their trip

12.5 In-App Emergency Assistance

The app provides quick access to emergency contacts

       •      You can report safety incidents directly through the app

13. Commitment to Improvement

We may update these Community Guidelines periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or industry standards. Notification of Changes

• Significant changes will be communicated through in-app notifications
• You will receive an email notification (if you have provided one)
• A notice will appear in your driver dashboard

The "Effective Date" at the top of this document indicates when it was last updated. Continued use of the Blink platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated guidelines.

Contact: For questions about these Guidelines, please contact Driver Support through the Help section in your Blink Driver dashboard.