Bolt Records 8% December Ride Surge Amid Shift Away From Drunk Driving

Bolt has reported an 8% surge in ride demand this December, marking the platform’s highest-usage month of the year as more Kenyans choose ride-hailing over driving after drinking. The increase comes during a festive season characterised by heightened nighttime movement and elevated road safety risks.

The trend is reinforced by recent consumer insights by Ipsos, showing that 79% of Kenyans believe ride-hailing helps reduce drunk driving, largely due to its predictable, trackable, and accessible alternative for getting home after drinking. With weddings, nightlife, concerts, and end-of-year gatherings driving late-night activity across the country, riders are increasingly opting for app-based transport as a safer and more convenient choice.

This shift emerges against a challenging national backdrop. According to NTSA’s latest data issued in November 2025, over 3,300 road fatalities were recorded in the first nine months of 2025, many associated with impaired and nighttime driving. December’s 8% rise in ride-hailing demand suggests more Kenyans are actively choosing not to drive under the influence, instead relying on digital mobility tools for safer travel.

The surge is also shaping Kenya’s festive economy. Hospitality, nightlife, and entertainment sectors depend heavily on reliable late-night mobility, and the increased use of online rides is enabling Kenyans to move freely while supporting sustained seasonal spending.

For drivers, higher December demand translates into stronger earnings opportunities, especially during late-night hours when traditional transport options are limited. This positions ride-hailing as both a public-safety mechanism and an economic enabler during one of the country’s busiest periods.

Speaking on the trend, Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager, Bolt, East Africa, said: “December is consistently one of the busiest months on our platform, but this year’s 8% surge highlights an important behavioural shift. More Kenyans are consciously choosing not to drive after drinking and are turning to ride-hailing as a safer and more dependable option. This has a meaningful impact not only on individual safety, but also on the wider festive economy as people move confidently across cities late into the night.”

As the festive season continues, the data signals a clear movement pattern: Kenyans are using ride-hailing in greater numbers to enjoy December’s celebrations while avoiding the risks of drunk driving. This growing reliance on digital transport solutions is playing an increasingly significant role in shaping safer night-time mobility across the country.

Read Also: Bolt Announces That 40% Of Its Motorbike Fleet In Nairobi Is Now Electric