Bolt Rolls Out Comfort Ride Category for Nairobi’s Middle Class

Bolt has launched a new comfort ride category, Bolt Comfort, to meet the growing demand for comfort passengers, targeting middle-class and corporate users.

The new category was launched on June 10, 2025, designed for passengers seeking more spacious, modern vehicles, enhanced amenities, and top-rated drivers of 4.8+ rating.

According to Bolt, Nairobi’s middle class now accounts for over 26% of the population who spend an average of 45 to 75 minutes commuting during peak hours, and the ride-hailing believes there’s need for a more refined and time-efficient mobility option has never been more urgent.

“At Bolt, we’ve always believed in providing options that meet the needs of our users. There’s a segment of riders, particularly professionals, middle-class families, and corporate clients, who value comfort and predictability enough to pay a little extra for it. Bolt Comfort was created with that demand in mind.” Said Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager at Bolt Kenya.

All vehicles in the comfort category are all from model year 2017 and newer, ensuring modern design and up-to-date features. Every vehicle is required to have working air conditioning and pass third-party inspections twice a year to guarantee safety and service quality.

Also Read: Bolt Lovers in Kenya to Pay More for Rides on Rising Fuel Costs

To retain the category standards, only drivers with a 4.8-star rating or higher are eligible to operate within this category, reinforcing Bolt’s commitment to a premium experience.

The service has been currently launched in Nairobi’s high demand and affluent areas including the CBD, Westlands, Kilimani, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) — with average pick-up times of five minutes and under.

The company plans to expand the category in the entire Nairobi and into Kiambu County by December 2025.

The move also tackles a common problem for Nairobi’s working class: parking and accessibility. With limited parking space and high congestion in central areas, many are opting for ride-hailing services over personal vehicles. Bolt Comfort aims to provide an ideal solution by offering reliable, high-quality mobility without the hassle of parking.

Bolt said drivers who qualify for the comfort category stand to benefit from higher earnings, given the elevated fare structure.

Only those with a strong history of positive rider feedback are eligible, reinforcing Bolt’s push toward quality-driven service.