The value of Kenya’s gig economy has surged to $1 billion, fueled primarily by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and ride-hailing platforms.
The sector now accounts for significant contributions to the country’s national output.
According to data released by Bolt and Ipsos on March 19, the gig economy in Kenya is valued at $1.03 billion and employs approximately 1.55 million workers.
The growth has been attributed to the penetration of smartphones among users, which ranges between 30 and 40 per cent, enabling widespread participation in gig-based work.
Data from a survey conducted by research firm Ipsos and Bolt reveal that e-commerce leads in the gig economy, accounting for 42 per cent of activity, followed by ride-hailing at 20 per cent, freelancing at 17 per cent, micro-tasks at 10 per cent, and remote work at 9 per cent.
Bolt Report Reveals Over Half of Kenyan Ride-Hailing Drivers Rely on Gig Work
According to the Gig Economy Report released on Thursday, March 19, more than half of ride-hailing drivers in Kenya rely on digital platforms as their main source of income.
The survey shows that 53% of drivers rely on gig work as their primary source of income, while 47% use it to supplement other jobs.
Many are drawn to the sector due to financial independence, with 28% citing self-sufficiency as their main motivation and 21% valuing the flexibility to earn on their own terms.
Further, more than half of the drivers reported a significant improvement in their livelihoods since joining the platform, demonstrating the tangible economic impact of digital work.
Despite the growth, gender representation remains unbalanced, with 97% of drivers being male and only 3% female.
Also Read: Bolt Guarantees Zero Penalties Policy for Drivers Who Turn Down Safety-Flagged Trips
Bolt’s Senior General Manager for East Africa, Dimmy Kanyankole, said the platform aims to strengthen the gig economy through investments in technology, safety, and driver-focused initiatives, while preserving the flexibility that attracts workers.
“As digital platforms continue to evolve, ride-hailing is increasingly becoming an important source of income and economic empowerment for many Kenyans. These findings reinforce the role that platform-based work plays in enabling people to earn flexibly while supporting their livelihoods,” he said.
Strategy Director at Ipsos Soyinka Witness stated that the platform is playing an increasingly important role in Kenya’s labour market.
Soyinka added that the study also found that financial independence and flexible earnings were key motivations for joining the gig economy.
“These insights offer valuable evidence for stakeholders seeking to better understand how platform-based work is shaping employment, income resilience, and economic opportunity in Kenya,” Witness said.
Also Read: How New Bolt Dash Cams Will Enhance Trip Safety and Accountability
Benefits of Using Ride-Hailing
The table below summarizes the key benefits identified by drivers who use ride-hailing platforms as their primary source of work:
| Benefit | Claim | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Financial empowerment & stability | Drivers feel more empowered financially and better able to sustain themselves/families. |
|
| Flexibility & opportunity creation | Flexible hours unlock more work options and let people fit gigs around life. |
|
| Skills & confidence/entrepreneurship | Ride-hailing builds practical skills and confidence to operate independently. |
|
| Economic progress/Improved living standards | Earnings and continuity translate into upward mobility. |
|
