Bolt Drivers in Kenya Allege Favoritism, Threaten Strike
Bolt drivers in Kenya are planning a strike, alleging that the ride-hailing platform is prioritizing vehicles financed through Hakki Africa, a Japanese vehicle financing and fleet management company that recently partnered with Bolt. The core complaint revolves around claims of preferential treatment in ride allocation and incentive programs for Hakki-financed vehicles, disadvantaging independent driver-partners who constitute the majority of Bolt’s workforce. This perceived bias is reportedly exacerbating existing financial pressures on drivers, who are already struggling with rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and Bolt’s commission fees.
Two-Tier System Claims
According to striking drivers, Bolt’s partnership with Hakki Africa has created a “two-tier system.” They claim that Hakki-financed vehicles receive preferential treatment, securing more rides and better incentives compared to independently owned vehicles. As one Nairobi-based driver-partner stated, those driving Hakki vehicles “seem to get more rides and better treatment, while the rest of us are left to compete for scraps.” This alleged disparity fuels the drivers’ discontent and motivates their planned strike action.
The planned strike highlights the growing tension between ride-hailing platforms and their drivers in Kenya, particularly regarding fair compensation and equitable access to opportunities. The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact Bolt’s operations and its relationship with its driver-partners in the region.
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