Bolt has announced a 10 per cent increase in base fares across all ride categories in Kenya.
This move comes after what the ride hailing firm attributed to discussions with drivers and regulators, prompted by rising operational costs, to help drivers maintain sustainable earnings.
The increase is similar rate to Uber that last week also announced the rise in base fares.
“Effective immediately, all rides booked through Bolt will reflect the fare increase, with the base fare for the Economy category rising from Sh200 to Sh220,” Bolt said in a statement.
The fare adjustment is expected to boost driver earnings, ensuring they receive better returns for each trip.
The fare hike follows a period of rising living costs in Kenya, affecting both drivers and riders. Bolt has stated that it will continue to monitor economic conditions and engage with stakeholders to make further adjustments if necessary.
Bolt Rides General Manager Linda Ndungu said that this fare adjustment is not just a price change but also a step towards acknowledging the value drivers bring to the platform every day.
“We believe that this move will help our drivers earn a fair wage, which in turn will allow them to continue providing the reliable and safe transportation our riders depend on,” said Ndung’u.
For instance, a liter of petrol now retails at around Sh188.8, up from an average of Sh106 in 2020.
“The company will continue to monitor the economic landscape and engage with all stakeholders to make any necessary adjustments in the future,” the firm added.
This comes after Little App also hiked drivers’ earnings by 15 percent to cushion them from tough operating environments.
The tech company says that the adjustment will not only ensure that cab drivers earn a fairer wage but also help reinforce reliability, convenience, and safety to clients.
This comes after drivers demanded better rates to sustain their livelihoods amid high fuel costs, among others.
