A section of Bolt’s driver-partners in Kenya is planning a strike, claiming the ride-hailing platform is showing favoritism toward Hakki Africa, a Japanese vehicle financing and fleet management firm which recently partnered with Bolt.

The drivers allege that Hakki financed cars are being prioritized in ride allocation and incentive programs, sidelining independent driver-partners who make up the majority of Bolt’s workforce. They argue the alleged bias has further eroded already thin earnings amid rising fuel costs, high maintenance expenses, and steep commission deductions.

Two-tier system that puts independent drivers at a disadvantage

“We feel Bolt has created a two-tier system that puts independent drivers at a disadvantage,” said one Nairobi-based driver-partner involved in the protest planning. “Hakki vehicles seem to get more rides and better treatment, while the rest of us are left to compete for scraps.”

Hakki Africa, once popular for its second hand auto financing solutions, is now under scrutiny. Critics argue that its partnership with Bolt distorts competition by favoring Hakki financed drivers. Some drivers warn that if the trend continues, Bolt risks alienating its core workforce, the very backbone of its service.

The strike threat underscores broader tensions in Kenya’s one billion dollar ride hailing market, where platforms including Uber, Little, and Bolt frequently clash with drivers over pay, commissions, and working conditions. Bolt, which operates one of the largest fleets in the country, has faced repeated disputes with regulators and driver groups on fare structures and platform policies.

Independent drivers say Bolt’s dispatch system appears skewed, with Hakki linked vehicles allegedly getting more bookings. “We also have car loans to pay and families to feed, but Bolt is favoring Hakki financed cars,” said driver partner Solomon Omoding (not his real name).

If the protest proceeds, services in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu could be disrupted, opening the door for competitors to capture market share.

Bolt Denies Allegations

Bolt denies any preferential treatment in its ride allocation system. “The system is designed for fairness and simplicity, connecting riders to the nearest available driver as quickly as possible,” said Dimmy Kanyankole, General Manager, Rides Kenya. “It considers proximity, availability, and reliability factors such as acceptance and completion rates, but not how a vehicle is financed.”

Kanyankole acknowledged perceptions of bias but attributed them to driver behavior, not system design. “Hakki drivers often stay online longer, position themselves in high demand areas, and maintain higher acceptance rates due to financing commitments. These behaviors naturally increase their likelihood of receiving more trips, including higher value ones,” he said.

The Hakki Partnership

Most gig workers lack access to traditional bank loans, forcing many to rent cars at high costs without ever gaining ownership. To address this, Bolt partnered with Hakki Africa last year to expand affordable vehicle financing. Through the deal, more than 1,500 vehicles have been deployed over 18 months to Bolt driver-partners, financed via performance based incentives and Hakki’s credit scoring system.

Bolt says the program is meant to empower drivers with ownership opportunities and reduce their long term costs. “While we recognize challenges such as repossessions and financial strain, our goal is to improve vehicle access for drivers who otherwise face steep barriers,” said Kanyankole.

The company reiterated that driver outcomes depend on location, consistency, and acceptance rates, not financing arrangements. “We remain committed to ensuring a fair and supportive environment for everyone on the platform,” Kanyankole added.

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