53% Of Kenyan Drivers Rely On Bolt And Others As Main Source Of Income

Bolt has released its flagship Gig Economy Report, conducted in partnership with Ipsos, examining the economic realities, motivations, and livelihood impact of platform-based work in Kenya. The report marks Bolt’s first structured effort to contribute data-driven insights to the national conversation on digital platforms and income generation.

It finds that more than half (53%) of the surveyed ride-hailing drivers in Kenya rely on digital platforms as their primary source of income, underscoring the growing role of the gig economy in supporting livelihoods and strengthening financial resilience across the country. A further 47% of the drivers use ride-hailing as a secondary source of income, demonstrating how the platform economy complements other forms of employment.

The survey also highlights the motivations that drive participation in the gig economy. About 28% of respondents cited financial independence and self-sufficiency as a key reason for joining the sector, while 21% said the ability to earn on their own terms, including flexible working hours, was a major factor.

Beyond individual income opportunities, the findings reinforce the growing contribution of digital platforms to Kenya’s broader economy. The survey indicates that ride-hailing accounts for approximately 20% of activity within the gig economy, making it one of the sector’s most significant contributors, second only to e-commerce, which represents 42%.

Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager, East Africa said: “As digital platforms continue to evolve, ride-hailing is increasingly becoming an important source of income and economic empowerment for many Kenyans. These findings reinforce the role that platform-based work plays in enabling people to earn flexibly while supporting their livelihoods. At Bolt, we are proud to be part of this transformation by creating opportunities for thousands of drivers to access reliable earning opportunities through our platform. By investing in technology, safety, and driver-focused initiatives, we aim to strengthen the gig economy while helping drivers maintain the flexibility and independence that make platform work so valuable.”

The survey further shows that 54% of Kenyan respondents reported a significant improvement in their livelihoods due to ride-hailing, reflecting the tangible economic benefits that platform-based work can provide for individuals and households.

However, the findings also highlight an opportunity to expand participation among women. Gender representation in the sector remains heavily skewed, with 97% of drivers identifying as male and only 3% as female, pointing to the need for continued efforts to make the industry more inclusive.

Soyinka Witness, Strategy Director, Ipsos said: “The findings from this study highlight the increasingly important role platform-based work is playing in Kenya’s evolving labour market. More than half of ride-hailing drivers rely on these platforms as their primary source of income, while many others use them to supplement existing earnings. Respondents also cited financial independence and the ability to earn on their own terms as key motivations for joining the gig economy. Notably, over half reported a significant improvement in their livelihoods, underscoring the meaningful economic impact digital platforms can have for individuals and households. At the same time, the gender disparity observed in the sector highlights an opportunity to expand inclusion and participation. These insights offer valuable evidence for stakeholders seeking to better understand how platform-based work is shaping employment, income resilience, and economic opportunity in Kenya.”

The survey findings come at a time when conversations around the future of work, platform regulation, and the role of the gig economy are gaining momentum globally. Insights from the study provide an important perspective on how platform-based work is shaping employment opportunities and economic participation in Kenya.

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