Bolt Targets 10% Ride Share Boost From New Comfort Category In Bid To Capture Premium Market

Kenya’s leading ride-hailing platform, Bolt, has today launched Bolt Comfort, a new ride category designed to meet growing demand for high-quality transport services among Nairobi’s expanding middle class and professional commuters.

Bolt projects that the Comfort category could account for up to 10% of total rides by 2025, driven by uptake from passengers willing to pay a modest premium for a more refined and consistent travel experience. This strategic move is part of Bolt’s broader effort to diversify its offerings, attract new premium passengers, and increase overall trip value in an evolving urban mobility landscape.

Despite the added features, Bolt Comfort remains around 13% more affordable than similar offerings in the market, making it one of the best value-for-comfort options available in Kenya.

Bolt Comfort introduces a new service tier offering spacious, newer-model vehicles, 2016 and above, mandatory air-conditioning, and access to top-rated drivers (4.8+ rating). The category targets passengers who expect more comfort, professionalism, and reliability in their everyday transport, ideal for business commutes, airport runs, client meetings, and formal engagements.

“Keeping our services affordable remains central to how we operate at Bolt,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager for Bolt Kenya and Tanzania. “With Bolt Comfort, we’re building on that foundation by offering a premium, yet accessible, option for riders seeking a higher level of service. Our research shows a strong appetite among corporate and middle-income passengers for ride options that offer comfort, reliability, and professionalism. Bolt Comfort is designed to meet exactly that demand.”

The service is initially available in high-demand areas within Nairobi and its environs, including Nairobi CBD, Westlands, Kilimani, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), with estimated pickup times of under 5 minutes. Bolt plans to expand the category citywide, extending to Kiambu County by December 2025, with a target fleet size of 1,000+ Comfort vehicles.

Kenya’s middle class, which now accounts for nearly 45% of the population according to the African Development Bank, continues to drive demand for better quality services in sectors ranging from housing to mobility. Nairobi, in particular, is experiencing a surge in professionals, entrepreneurs, and corporate employees who require transport solutions that reflect their evolving lifestyle and business needs.

The introduction of Bolt Comfort is also a major step in strengthening Bolt’s offering to corporate clients and high-value passengers. By bridging the gap between affordability and luxury, Comfort gives riders access to better vehicles and drivers at a price point that is approximately 13% lower than similar categories on other ride-hailing platforms.

Unlike Standard rides, where amenities like air conditioning are not guaranteed, Comfort mandates it, alongside regular third-party vehicle inspections every six months via AutoExpress, ensuring a consistently high-quality experience.

Drivers enrolled in the Comfort category benefit from improved earning potential through higher fare rates, and only those with a strong performance record (rating of 4.8+) qualify, raising the overall service standard for both riders and drivers.

“We’re building a platform where both a university student and a company executive can find the right transport option to fit their needs and budget,” added Kanyankole. “That’s how we grow with the market, by being inclusive, responsive, and forward-thinking.”

Bolt Comfort is now available in the Bolt app. Riders can select the Comfort category when booking to experience elevated everyday travel.

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