Bolt drivers in Kenya will now have their commissions subjected to a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) following the implementation of the 2023 Electronic, Internet, and Digital Marketplace Supply Regulations.
For the past 15 months, Bolt had been absorbing the VAT on behalf of drivers, helping to cushion their earnings.
However, the new regulations—enforced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)—now require the tax to be applied directly to driver commissions.
Bolt Kenya and Tanzania General Manager, Dimmy Kanyankole, stated that the company remains committed to compliance while supporting drivers through the transition. “Our focus remains on compliance, fairness, and sustainability.
We will continue engaging our drivers through awareness initiatives and opportunities to help them maximize their earnings,” he said.
This policy change comes at a time when drivers are already struggling with high fuel costs, which have significantly reduced their take-home pay.
Additionally, the online taxi industry has faced a drop in demand due to broader economic challenges affecting many Kenyans
