Bolt Raises Kenya Ride Fares by 6% Amid Rising Fuel Costs
The adjustment follows EPRA's April fuel price review, which pushed super petrol to KSh 197.60 per litre in Nairobi
Ride-hailing platform Bolt has increased fares in Kenya by six percent, citing sustained fuel price increases that have raised operating costs for driver partners on its platform.
The company said the adjustment follows feedback from drivers who have raised concerns over the rising cost of running their vehicles. The move comes after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority raised the price of super petrol by KSh 19.32 to KSh 197.60 per litre and diesel by KSh 30.09 to KSh 196.63, citing higher landing costs linked to global supply disruptions, despite an eight percent VAT reduction on fuel.
Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager for Rides, East Africa, said the increase was designed to support driver earnings while keeping the platform accessible to riders.
“Our driver partners are at the heart of our platform, and their ability to earn sustainably is critical to the entire ecosystem. The 6% increment ensures that riders continue to enjoy some of the most competitive fares in the market. Ultimately, we believe that better-paid drivers mean more drivers on the roads, leading to shorter wait times, improved service quality, and a more consistent rider experience,” he said.
Bolt said it has modelled the adjustment against rider price tolerance data and expects trip volumes to remain stable. The company added that it would continue investing in demand generation, partnership programmes, and peak-time surge readiness alongside the fare change.
Following the EPRA fuel hike in April, online taxi operators in Kenya had called for a minimum fare of KSh 450 for trips of up to three kilometres, a proposal that was not adopted by ride-hailing platforms at the time.
Beyond the fare adjustment, Bolt said it is exploring additional measures to support driver earnings over the long term, including platform enhancements, operational efficiency improvements, and continued engagement with driver partners.
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