Bolt is a leading mobility and transportation business in Kenya that offers an array of transportation solutions catered for primarily through their mobile app.

The company has created a source of income for hundreds and thousands of Kenyans who rely on the ride-hailing app from day-to-day.

Grace Malii never imagined she would one day become a full-time driver. Before joining the ride-hailing industry, she was a hairdresser who travelled to China to buy weaves and beauty products for resale.

However, life took an unexpected turn, and she soon found herself behind the wheel, making a living as a ride-hailing driver. Despite the long hours and demanding nature of the job, it provided her with a steady income and the freedom to be her own boss.

When choosing which ride-hailing app to work with, Grace did her research and ultimately settled on Bolt. One of the key reasons for her decision was the app’s transparency before a driver accepts a ride.

“Bolt shows you where the customer is going, how much they’ll pay, and whether they’ll use cash or card. If it’s a card payment, I can withdraw the money immediately, which is really helpful,” she explained.

To ensure her safety, Grace has developed a routine that works best for her. She prefers starting her day early and finishing early to avoid the risks associated with late-night driving.

One of the biggest advantages of working with Bolt is the ability to earn a good income. Even though she stops work early, Grace notes that drivers who stay online longer can make even more.

“The longer you stay online, the more money you can make. The best part is, you’re your own boss. You decide when to work and when to take a break,” she said.

Bolt’s commission structure is also a factor that makes it attractive to drivers. Grace describes the rates as fair, and one of the reasons passengers prefer Bolt over other competing apps is the frequent discounts offered.

“Bolt gives passengers discounts all the time, and that makes it their first choice. For us drivers, that means more customers and better earnings,” Grace stated.

“Every trip discount given to a passenger is covered by the company, ensuring drivers do not lose income. If a trip was Sh. 400 and there is a discount of Sh. 50, the driver will still receive the full Sh. 400, with Bolt covering the discount,” explained Bolt’s General Manager for Tanzania, Uganda & Kenya (Interim), Dimmy Kanyankole.

Beyond earnings, safety is a major priority for Bolt. In November 2023, the company deactivated over 5,000 drivers who failed to comply with safety policies.

Bolt also introduced an emergency button in the app, allowing drivers to request immediate assistance in case of security concerns. Their safety team, consisting of over 500 trained staff, ensures both drivers and passengers are protected.

“If a customer refuses to pay, Bolt makes sure the driver doesn’t lose money. That kind of support really matters,” Grace noted.

Despite these measures, she believes there is still room for improvement. One update she would like to see is a feature that allows drivers to verify a passenger’s ID before accepting a ride.

She recommended Bolt to drivers who seek to maximize their earnings as this is Kenya’s busiest ride-hailing platform. However, Grace warned that the job requires ardent consistency, discipline and patience.