Ride-hailing platform Bolt has increased fares for Kenyan customers following the recent rise in fuel prices. On Tuesday, the company announced a 6% fare adjustment aimed at cushioning drivers who continue to grapple with higher operating costs caused by sustained fuel price increases.
On April 16, 2026, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) set the maximum retail fuel prices in Nairobi at Ksh197.60 for Super Petrol, Ksh196.63 for Diesel, and Ksh152.78 for Kerosene. These rates will remain in effect until May 14, 2026, when the regulator is expected to announce a fresh monthly review.
According to the on-demand mobility company, the fare increase came after driver partners raised concerns over the growing cost of operations. Consequently, Bolt said the adjustment seeks to support drivers while maintaining reliable services for customers.
Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager for Rides in East Africa, said the increase would not only cushion drivers but also help customers continue accessing affordable rides.
βOur driver partners are at the heart of our platform, and their ability to earn sustainably is critical to the entire ecosystem. Therefore, this fare adjustment forms part of a broader effort to address their concerns, particularly around fuel prices, while ensuring our service remains accessible and dependable for riders,β Kanyankole said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Earlier, after EPRA announced the April fuel hike, online taxi operators in Kenya proposed a new minimum fare of Ksh450 for trips covering up to three kilometres. However, ride-hailing platforms did not ratify the proposal, leaving fares unchanged for users at the time.
Meanwhile, Bolt said it continues to engage drivers to better understand the economic pressures they face and develop solutions that can sustain business operations.
βWe understand that price changes affect both drivers and riders. As a result, we have taken a thoughtful approach to ensure this adjustment supports the sustainability of our platform for everyone,β Kanyankole added.
He further argued that better earnings for drivers would improve service delivery across the platform. βBetter-paid drivers mean more drivers on the roads, which ultimately leads to shorter wait times, improved service quality, and a more consistent rider experience,β he explained.
In the coming days, Kenyans expect EPRA to announce another monthly fuel price review. However, uncertainty continues to surround global fuel prices due to unrest in the Middle East, which has disrupted fuel supply chains worldwide.
In response to the rising costs, President William Ruto announced in mid-April that the government would provide Ksh6.5 billion to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices. Additionally, the National Assembly reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel products from 16% to 8% in an effort to moderate prices further.
