Bolt Launches Affordable Premium Ride Option for Nairobi’s Middle Class

Bolt has unveiled a new service tier, Bolt Comfort, aimed at meeting the rising demand for high-quality, reliable transport options among Nairobi’s growing middle class and professional commuters.

Launched today, Bolt Comfort offers spacious, newer-model vehicles (2016 and above), mandatory air-conditioning, and access to top-rated drivers with ratings of 4.8 and above. The new category targets business travelers, professionals, and everyday riders seeking a more refined transport experience without the hefty price tag typically associated with premium ride services.

“With Bolt Comfort, we’re offering a premium, yet affordable option for riders who value comfort, professionalism, and consistency,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager for Bolt Kenya and Tanzania. “It’s about delivering more value, especially for Nairobi’s increasingly sophisticated urban mobility needs.”

Despite the added perks, Bolt Comfort is priced competitively around 13 percent cheaper than similar offerings from rival platforms positioning it as one of the best value-for-comfort options currently available in Kenya’s ride-hailing market.

Bolt projects that Comfort rides could make up 10 percent of its total trips by 2025, fueled by increased demand from the country’s expanding middle class, which now comprises nearly 45 percent of the population, according to the African Development Bank. The service is already live in key high-traffic areas such as Nairobi CBD, Westlands,Kilimani and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ( JKIA), with plans to expand citywide and into Kiambu County by December.

Unlike Bolt’s Standard rides, where features like air conditioning vary, Comfort guarantees air-conditioned vehicles and biannual third-party inspections through AutoExpress raising the bar for quality and reliability.

The launch is also seen as a strategic move to capture a larger share of the corporate transport market by offering an elevated yet accessible alternative for formal engagements, client meetings, and airport transfers.

Drivers also stand to benefit from the new category, with Bolt confirming that only top-performing drivers will qualify for Comfort rides, unlocking higher fare rates and improved earnings.

“We’re building a platform that caters to everyone from students to executives,” added Kanyankole. “Being inclusive and forward-thinking helps us grow with the market and meet evolving rider expectations.”

Bolt Comfort is now available in the Bolt app under the ride selection menu. Riders in Nairobi can start booking Comfort rides today.