Get breaking business news on WhatsApp
Bolt has introduced three new ride options in Kenya: Priority, for faster pick-ups at a premium; Wait and Save, for lower fares if you can wait longer; and Ride by Hour, which books a car for one or two hours at a fixed hourly rate, the company announced on October 29, 2026, The Kenya Times reported.
The three options at a glance
| Option | How it is priced | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | Premium over a standard fare in exchange for a shorter wait | Flights, meetings, appointments |
| Wait and Save | Lower fare in exchange for a longer wait, especially at peak times | Trips where arrival time is flexible |
| Ride by Hour | Fixed hourly rate for 1 or 2 hours, based on time not distance; no extra per-stop charge | Errands, shopping, business visits with several stops |
Bolt did not publish the actual shilling prices in the announcement. Fares show in the app before you confirm, and they vary by city, time and demand.
Priority: pay more, wait less
Priority matches you with a nearby driver faster for a higher fare. It is aimed at time-sensitive trips, such as getting to JKIA for a flight or to an important meeting. Before choosing it, compare the price with the standard option in the app; at quiet times the difference in waiting time may be small.
Wait and Save: cheaper rides at peak hours
Wait and Save offers a lower fare if you are willing to wait longer, particularly when demand is high and surge pricing pushes standard fares up. Bolt said the option could also bring in riders who would otherwise cancel or postpone trips when fares rise, giving drivers more requests as demand shifts.
Ride by Hour: one car, many stops
Ride by Hour lets you book a car for one or two hours at a fixed rate. Charges are based on time rather than distance, and you can visit several destinations within the booked period without paying per stop. For small business owners, this suits activities like:
- Visiting several suppliers in town, for example in Gikomba, Eastleigh or the industrial area.
- Delivering samples or documents to a few clients in one afternoon.
- Running bank, KRA or eCitizen errands that involve waiting at offices.
Plan your route first. If most of the hour is spent waiting rather than moving, the fixed rate can work out cheaper than several separate rides. If your trip is one long distance, a standard ride is usually cheaper.
What it means for drivers
Bolt said the new categories are meant to create more ride requests for drivers. Hourly bookings give drivers a guaranteed block of time, while Wait and Save fills demand that might otherwise be lost. Driver earnings still depend on Bolt’s commission and fuel costs, which have risen with pump prices in 2026.
How to use the new options
- Update the Bolt app from the Play Store or App Store.
- Enter your destination and check the list of ride categories.
- Select Priority, Wait and Save or Ride by Hour where available, and confirm the price shown.
- For Ride by Hour, choose one or two hours and add your stops.
Availability may differ by city. Bolt earlier launched the KSh280 a month Bolt Plus subscription with ride cashback. For delivery services, see our guide to food delivery companies in Nairobi.
Prefer WhatsApp? Follow Business Radar on WhatsApp
Weekly, free. We only use your email for this newsletter and you can unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy.
