Bolt has marked 10 years of operations in Kenya after investing more than Ksh 19 billion in the country since entering the market in 2016.
The ride-hailing company says more than eight million riders have used its platform over the past decade, while its operations have created income opportunities for more than 170,000 drivers and couriers across the country.
Bolt now operates in six regions and 19 towns in Kenya, covering Nairobi, the Coast, Western Kenya, Central Kenya, North Rift and the Mt Kenya region.
The company’s growth comes as ride-hailing and other digital services continue to play a bigger role in Kenya’s gig economy. Since Bolt entered the country, app-based transport has expanded, giving customers access to on-demand transport while creating work opportunities for drivers, boda boda riders and couriers.
According to the 2026 Bolt Kenya and Ipsos Gig Economy Report released in March, Kenya’s gig economy supports about 1.5 million workers and generates more than Ksh 130 billion annually.
The report found that ride-hailing accounts for about 20 per cent of gig economy activity in Kenya, making it the second-largest category after e-commerce.
The study also examined the impact of ride-hailing on the livelihoods of people working in the sector. It found that 98 per cent of ride-hailing participants surveyed said their standard of living had improved after joining the platform. Of those surveyed, 54 per cent said the improvement had been significant.
Drivers on the Bolt platform earn an average of Ksh 63,000 per month, according to the report. The top 20 per cent of drivers earn up to Ksh 184,000 monthly, while boda boda riders earn an average of Ksh 56,000.
The report further found that 53 per cent of drivers surveyed identified ride-hailing as their main source of income.
Bolt Senior General Manager for Rides in East Africa, Dimmy Kanyankole, said ride-hailing had changed significantly since the company started operating in Kenya.
“Over the past decade, we have seen ride-hailing evolve from a new technology into an important source of income and economic opportunity for thousands of Kenyans,” Kanyankole said.
Bolt says its Ksh 19 billion investment has gone towards technology infrastructure, driver support programmes, safety initiatives and expansion into more parts of the country.
The company’s operations have also supported businesses connected to the transport sector, including vehicle financing, insurance, smartphone sales, mobile data services, vehicle servicing and maintenance.
The company has in recent years increased its focus on electric mobility as Kenya continues to promote the use of cleaner transport options.
Bolt says seven in every 10 electric vehicles operating in Kenya in 2026 are on its platform. The company attributes this to its investments in electric vehicle adoption and incentives for drivers.
It has also partnered with other organisations to support access to electric and lower-emission vehicles and make ownership more accessible to drivers.
As it marks 10 years in Kenya, Bolt says it will continue investing in driver welfare, safety, product development and sustainability. The company also plans to expand its services in secondary towns and increase access to electric and lower-emission vehicles across the country.
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