The Women Commercial Drivers Association of Kenya (WCDA-K), an association of female transport workers, has explicitly rejected a recent six per cent fare increase introduced by e-hailing platform Bolt. Chairperson Nyambura Kogi described the adjustment as a “token” gesture, arguing it falls far short of what is needed to ensure drivers earn a decent income amidst rapidly escalating fuel prices and other significant operational costs in Kenya.

Nyambura Kogi highlighted that the six per cent increase is inadequate to cushion drivers from the current fuel hike and the broader financial strain of operating a vehicle. She pointed out that drivers face soaring costs for spare parts, tyres, vehicle servicing, insurance, parking, data, vehicle financing, and platform commissions, all of which quickly erode any small fare adjustment. WCDA-K insists that e-hailing drivers require a transparent fare structure that accurately reflects the true cost of operations, rather than a minimal increment.

Bolt, on its part, stated that the fare increase was designed to provide a cushion for drivers against rising fuel costs, a decision made after sustained feedback from drivers concerned about increasing operational expenses. Dimmy Kanyankole, Bolt’s Senior General Manager of Rides in East Africa, explained that the company had engaged with drivers and industry stakeholders to understand their challenges. He added that the six per cent increase was carefully modeled against rider price sensitivity, with internal data suggesting it would not significantly impact demand or trip volumes.

However, WCDA-K disputes the proportionality of Bolt’s adjustment. Nyambura Kogi noted that the price of diesel, crucial for public buses (matatus), trucks, and many commercial fleets, jumped by approximately 47.3% between May 2025 and May 2026 alone. Furthermore, petrol prices rose by about 69.5% from May 2021 to May 2026. The Kenyan Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reportedly increased petrol prices twice within a month, both times by over 20 per cent, with one hike attributed to the US-Israel/Iran conflict squeezing global oil and gas supplies. Overall, from May 2021 to May 2026, diesel saw an increase of about 125.6 per cent, and kerosene by roughly 56.1 per cent.

For transport workers, these fuel price surges are not abstract national issues. They represent the first cost a driver pays before earning any income. When fuel prices rise sharply without corresponding fare adjustments, drivers directly bear the burden, often resulting in reduced income, extended working hours, mounting debt, vehicle breakdowns, and increased exposure to risks. Nyambura Kogi emphasized the question that a fair fare must address: “After fuel, commission, maintenance, data, insurance, loan or vehicle remittance and safety costs, what does the driver take home?”

This ongoing frustration culminated in a transport sector strike, which included WCDA-K, Matatu operators, BodaBoda (bike) operators, and e-hailing drivers on platforms like Uber and Bolt. The strike, though now called off as engagements continue, was a direct response to the unbearable cost of operating transport work in Kenya. WCDA-K members have been encouraged to resume work safely but remain vigilant and continue documenting the real cost of driving. The strike’s main aims were to push for fairer fuel pricing, realistic transport rates, meaningful engagement with transport workers, and recognition that the cost of operating a vehicle has become unsustainable.

Despite the strike being called off, WCDA-K asserts that the struggle is far from over. Key issues such as fuel prices, low fares, high maintenance costs, platform commissions, safety risks, maternity protection, social protection, and recognition of their tools of trade remain urgent concerns for women commercial drivers. Nyambura Kogi accused EPRA of being politically compromised and demanded structured negotiations that include e-hailing and women drivers, whose voices are often marginalized. The association’s ultimate goal remains to see petrol prices crash to around KES 150 per litre, as they maintain no true resolution has been reached until this fundamental demand is met. Drivers insist that the government, transport companies, and digital platforms must cease treating them as “shock absorbers for every economic crisis.”