Ride-hailing job boom: Drivers are making far more money than typical office workers in Kenya
By William Muthama, August 20, 2026Kenya’s ride-hailing industry has grown into a major source of income, supporting hundreds of thousands of drivers and their families as more workers turn to app-based transport to earn a living.
According to research presented in the TIFA Research Ride-Hailing Industry Survey released on Thursday, August 20, 2026, Kenya has an estimated 300,000 to 350,000 active ride-hailing drivers.
The number of registered drivers has also nearly doubled in four years, rising from about 210,000 in 2022 to roughly 400,000 in 2026.
More than half of the drivers, 53 per cent, rely on ride-hailing as their main source of income, while 47 per cent use the work to supplement earnings from other activities.
Women, however, account for only between 3 per cent and 5 per cent of ride-hailing drivers.
How much drivers make vs office workers
TIFA’s desk research shows that ride-hailing drivers earn between Ksh60,000 and Ksh90,000 in gross monthly income.
Across the industry, TIFA estimates that drivers collectively generate between Ksh126 billion and Ksh147 billion in annual net earnings.
“Driver Net earnings: Kenya’s ride-hailing industry is a significant economic engine, generating an estimated Ksh126–147 billion in total annual driver earnings, “The report stated.
The income range puts ride-hailing work within or above the earnings of many entry-level office workers in Kenya, where some positions pay as little as Ksh15,000 per month, depending on the role, employer and level of experience.
For some workers, the comparison makes ride-hailing an attractive alternative to traditional office employment, particularly because drivers can choose their working hours and potentially increase their earnings by working longer or during periods of high demand.
Separate figures released by Bolt in March 2026 showed that some drivers on the platform were earning significantly more than the average reported in the TIFA survey.
In a report released on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Bolt said its drivers earned an average of Ksh63,000 per month, while motorcycle riders earned an average of Ksh56,000.
Speaking during the release of the report at Bolt’s offices in Nairobi, East Africa General Manager Dimmy Kanyankole said the figures demonstrated both the earning potential and variation within the gig economy.
“The average earning for Bolt drivers is Ksh63,000. For bikes, they are making an average of Ksh56,000 per month,” Kanyankole said.
He added that the highest earners were making considerably more than the average.
“Top 20% of drivers earn Ksh184,000, with our single top-earning driver earning Sh400,000 per month,” Kanyankole said.
The figures show how earnings can vary considerably across the sector, with the highest-performing drivers earning several times the monthly income of some traditional entry-level office workers.
Jobs support families
The impact of ride-hailing extends beyond drivers themselves.
TIFA estimates that the industry indirectly supports between 1.2 million and 1.75 million household members, based on an average household size of five people.
The survey also found that 98 per cent of drivers reported an improved standard of living as a result of their ride-hailing income.
TIFA described the sector as an important pathway to economic mobility, with earnings helping drivers meet household expenses and improve their financial position.
The flexibility of the work is another attraction, allowing drivers to choose when to work and adjust their hours depending on their financial needs.