According to reports, drivers who use the taxi hailing service; Bolt, might potentially be hit with a reduction in their earnings as a result of a decision by the company to increase that commission it charges from 15 percent to 20 percent.
Bolt which was formerly known as Taxify, began charging the new commission fee on Monday the 9th of September 2019.
The decision will make Bolt, the second highest in the Kenyan market, right behind Uber which charges 25 percent.
On the other hand the local taxi hailing service ‘Little’ which is backed by telecommunications Powerhouse; Safaricom, charges a commission of 15 percent.
The commission fee increase is coming just barely two months after the taxi drivers in Kenya who use taxi hailing services, went on strike to protest their reduced earnings. The drivers argued that the rates for the taxi rides were low while the commissions charged by the companies were high.
Bolt both in response to the complaints by drivers, did away with its budget service which it called ‘Go’. The decision led to an increase in fares of about 30 percent and forced its riders to use its standard option which is known simply as ‘Bolt’.
Bolt in a notice to its drivers said, “Starting Monday, September 9, there will be a slight increase in the commission rate (service fee) from 15 percent to 20 percent for each completed booking made through the Bolt platform.”
The taxi hailing service added that, “Bolt will make additional investments in sustainable ways over the coming weeks to increase your earnings and improve safety features on the platform.”
Bolt also made it known that it will be launching new ideas within the Kenyan market to further increase the revenue streams for its local partners and drivers as well.
The increase in Bolt’s commission fee will most likely lead to more complaints by its drivers.
In August 2019, the company launched a food delivery service in Estonia and is currently launching the service in other markets across Europe.
It is believed that Bolt which has already introduced a Tuk Tuk service and Boda boda service into the Kenyan market, will most likely introduce the Bolt Food Service into Kenya as well.
