Bolt Kenya has introduced a paid membership program called Bolt Plus, aimed at frequent users of its ride hailing and delivery services. The service was launched in Nairobi on October 15, 2026. Subscribers receive three free ride cancellations each month, free delivery on eligible food and retail orders, priority driver matching and faster food delivery, along with promotions tailored to them.
Cashback depends on the ride category. Customers using Bolt Basic earn 5 per cent back, while those using Premium, Comfort and Business rides earn 10 per cent. Bolt says the cashback is credited automatically to the customer’s Bolt Balance and can be used on the next trip. The company is still working on bringing Bolt Business customers onto the service.
On the delivery side, free delivery applies to orders from selected restaurants and stores marked with a “+” in the app, provided the order falls within a qualifying value range. Ivy Njeri Maingi, General Manager of Bolt Food Kenya, said members could save up to Ksh200 per order. For rides, Bolt said that members are matched with drivers faster, including during periods of high demand.
Bolt Plus costs Ksh280 per month, or Ksh899 for an annual plan, which works out to about Ksh75 per month. The first month is free, and to mark the launch, customers can also subscribe at an introductory rate of Ksh119 per month for the first six months.
Bolt says drivers, riders and couriers are not affected by the program and that their earnings remain unchanged. Maingi said Bolt and its partners cover the cost of the benefits. The company expects the subscription to encourage more use of its apps, which could create additional trips and earning opportunities for drivers and couriers. Maingi described the program as a way for Bolt “to celebrate our loyal customers.”
Bolt Plus adds Kenya to the markets where ride hailing and delivery platforms use paid memberships to build loyalty, a model already common among global delivery and mobility apps.
