Bolt has officially launched ‘Bolt Comfort’ in Kenya today, a new ride category designed for passengers seeking a higher-quality experience with more comfort, space, and reliability.
The service is already available in select areas of Nairobi as part of its Phase 1 rollout. According to Bolt, over 1,000 drivers have already been onboarded under this new category. The second phase is expected to expand Bolt Comfort to Kiambu County by December 2025.
The company says this ride option is specifically tailored to serve Nairobi’s growing professional and middle-income class. To qualify for Bolt Comfort, drivers must use vehicles manufactured in 2017 or later, equipped with air conditioning. Additionally, drivers must have a rating of 4.8 or higher, ensuring that passengers ride with Bolt’s top-rated drivers.
Positioned between Bolt’s standard and XL ride options, Bolt Comfort offers a middle ground in terms of pricing and experience. Fares will be slightly higher than Bolt Standard but lower than Bolt XL. Bolt estimates that drivers using Bolt Comfort will earn up to 25% more and complete 1.5 times more rides compared to standard drivers.
The company also claims that Bolt Comfort is 13% cheaper than similar premium offerings from competing ride-hailing platforms. Bolt projects that Comfort will contribute 10% of its total revenue in Kenya by the end of the year.
“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.”
“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,” Kanyankole added. “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 option when booking to enjoy a more elevated everyday travel experience.
What’s the Difference Between Bolt Standard and Bolt Comfort in Kenya?
Bolt Comfort is a premium ride option offering newer vehicles (2017 or later) with air conditioning and top-rated drivers. It is slightly more expensive than the standard Bolt category but offers a superior ride experience in terms of space, comfort, and reliability.
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