The ride-hailing industry is emerging as one of the key drivers of the electric mobility industry, with almost a quarter of all electric vehicles and motorcycles in Kenya now operating on the platforms.
Bolt, one of the top ride-hailing firms, has disclosed that of the 24,754 electric vehicles and motorcycles currently in Kenya, 5,808 are operating on its platform, accounting for about 23 percent.
While other ride-hailing firms such as Uber and Little have not disclosed how many EVs are operating on their platforms, Bolt’s figures paint a picture of a heavy concentration of EVs in the ride-hailing industry, as many drivers on these platforms often cross-list on multiple apps.
This highlights how the fast-growing digital taxi industry is boosting the adoption of e-mobility in Kenya, supporting the transition to low-emission transport options in efforts against climate change.
Bolt East Africa General Manager Dimmy Kanyankole told the Business Daily that the ride-hailing sector is attracting several EV sign-ups because drivers retain more earnings due to lower operating costs.
‘Ride-hailing is helping electric vehicles reach scale much faster than private ownership alone by combining income-generating use with lower operating costs,’ he said.
‘There are also partnerships with financial institutions that enable drivers to acquire electric vehicles more affordably.’
He adds that EVs on the Bolt platform get a higher utilisation rate than combustion engine vehicles because they are cheaper on the platform. ‘This allows drivers to realise earnings faster,’ he said.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport revealed in the recently launched E-mobility policy that Kenya’s EV uptake has skyrocketed since 2022, with the number of EVs on Kenyan roads growing from just 796 in 2022 to 24,754 in 2025.
Most of the EVs are motorcycles, followed by other units like buses and passenger cars.
Ride-hailing firms introduced EVs on their platforms in 2023, with Bolt and Uber announcing a phased transition beginning with electric motorcycles in Kenya. Now, Bolt says the electric two-wheelers account for 40 percent of all two-wheelers on its platforms, while EVs account for 11 percent of all the cars it has listed.
The government is also contributing to the increased uptake of EVs, with a target of acquiring at least 3,000 EVs for ministries by the end of next year. Kenya Power has also announced a phased transition to electric vehicles.