For many in Nairobi, driving for ride-hailing apps is a side hustle—but for some, it’s a full-time, profitable venture. Bolt driver earning can reach impressive heights, with top performers netting up to KSh 100,000 monthly. This article delves into the life of one such driver and explores the factors behind their success.
1. From Delivery to Driving: A Fresh Start
Allan Macharia, once a delivery man at Kenya Bus Service, quit in 2022 after months without pay. With a KSh 50,000 loan, he bought a Mazda Flair through Bolt’s partnership with Haki Africa and embarked on a new journey as a cab driver
2. Long Hours, High Ratings—Big Rewards
Macharia operates 12-hour shifts from 6 AM to 6 PM, sometimes extending to 9 PM. His secret? Excellent customer rapport and stellar ratings between 90–95%, which earn him priority on high-paying trips
He averages KSh 3,800 daily after expenses, and regularly undertakes long-distance rides to places like Narok and Laikipia—each one bringing up to KSh 10,000 per trip
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3. Earnings Potential for Top Bolt Drivers
According to Bolt’s own data for Nairobi, top drivers can earn well over KSh 115,000 net per month, translating to around KSh 375 per hour The app charges a 20% commission, so strategic use of surge periods, bonuses, and peak demand is essential to maximize income
4. Tips for Maximizing Earnings
Bolt recommends:
- Bonus programs tied to trip numbers, hours online, and rated performance.
- Driving during high-demand windows: 8–10 AM, 4–7 PM on weekdays; evenings on Fridays and Saturdays
- Positioning at hotspots like malls, airports, and transport hubs .
5. Challenges Behind the Numbers
Despite the earning potential, drivers face rising costs: fuel, vehicle maintenance, phone/data, and commission fees. Reddit users paint a realistic picture:
“You can make 120k ksh per month after expenses. At least 90k…Requires …great rating, safe driving and customer service skills.”
Another adds:
“Once my Bolt driver said he makes almost 7k a day but expenses zote including fuel …inamcost mbaya.”
6. Scaling Beyond Driving
Macharia plans a smart next step: buying another car and hiring a driver, effectively growing into a micro-fleet operator while retaining ownership and income potential
The story of Bolt driver earning hitting KSh 100K a month illustrates both opportunity and hustle. Success hinges on long hours, high customer ratings, and astute cost management. For driven individuals, driving for Bolt can be more than just a job—it can be a launchpad for entrepreneurship in Kenya’s growing gig economy.
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