Bolt Earnings Claims Spark Backlash from Kenyan Drivers

Tension is rising between ride-hailing drivers and Bolt after the company shared new earnings figures that many operators strongly dispute. What was meant to highlight success has instead triggered frustration on the ground.

In its latest report, Bolt painted a promising picture. The company claimed its top driver in Kenya earns up to KSh400,000 per month. It also stated that 20 per cent of its leading drivers take home an average of KSh184,000. For many, these numbers sounded impressive. But for drivers working daily on the roads, they felt far from reality.

The report further noted that the average driver earns about KSh63,000 monthly. Motorcycle riders were said to make around KSh56,000. These figures suggested a stable and growing income stream within the platform. However, drivers argue that the numbers do not reflect real conditions.

During a recent meeting with Bolt’s management, a section of operators pushed back. They described the figures as misleading. Some claimed they struggle to reach even half of the stated averages after fuel, maintenance, and commission costs.

One driver reportedly told the company, “These numbers look good on paper, but they don’t match what we take home.” Another added that the report ignores daily expenses that cut deeply into earnings.

The disagreement points to a wider issue. Drivers say public reports often focus on gross income, not net profit. This creates a gap between perception and reality. For new drivers, it may set unrealistic expectations.

Operators are now calling for greater transparency. They want clearer breakdowns of earnings. They also want companies to include real costs in their reports. According to them, honest data will build trust and improve working conditions.