Bolt Denies Viral Exit Claims, Says Kenya Operations Remain Fully Active

Ride-hailing giant Bolt has dismissed widespread claims that it is preparing to shut down its Kenyan operations, describing a viral notice circulating online as fake and misleading.

The company was forced to issue a public clarification after a document shared across social media platforms and WhatsApp groups claimed that Bolt would cease operations in Kenya on June 8, 2026. The alleged notice sparked confusion among thousands of riders, drivers and business partners who rely on the platform for transport and income.

In a statement released on Sunday, Bolt said the document did not originate from the company and was not issued by any of its authorised representatives.

“We wish to categorically state that this document is FAKE and did not originate from Bolt Kenya or any of its authorised representatives,” the company said.  

The statement was signed by Dimmy Kanyankole, who reassured customers and driver-partners that Bolt remains fully operational across Kenya and has no plans to exit one of its most important African markets.

The company said investigations have already been launched to establish who created and distributed the fabricated communication, warning that legal action could follow against individuals found responsible for spreading false information.  

The fake notice gained traction partly because it appeared professionally designed and cited alleged operational challenges within Kenya’s highly competitive ride-hailing sector. However, industry observers quickly questioned its authenticity, noting the absence of official corporate communication channels and the unusually short notice period for a company of Bolt’s size.  

The controversy emerged against the backdrop of growing tensions in Kenya’s ride-hailing industry, where operators continue to grapple with rising fuel costs, driver dissatisfaction and intense competition. Last month, Bolt increased ride fares by six percent following a surge in fuel prices, saying the move was necessary to cushion drivers from escalating operating expenses.  

Kenya remains one of the most competitive ride-hailing markets in East Africa, with Bolt battling for market share against rivals including Uber and Little. The sector has experienced recurring disputes over pricing, commissions and driver earnings as companies attempt to balance affordability for passengers with profitability for drivers.  

Despite those challenges, Bolt has continued expanding its footprint in the country. The company recently revealed that more than 5,800 electric vehicles operating in Kenya are on its platform, accounting for nearly a quarter of the country’s EV fleet. It has also positioned itself as a major player in Kenya’s rapidly growing gig economy, which supports more than 1.5 million workers according to industry estimates.  

Online discussions following the circulation of the fake notice reflected the level of dependence many Kenyans have on ride-hailing services. Some users expressed concern that an exit by Bolt would reduce competition and lead to higher transport costs, while others quickly flagged the document as fraudulent and called for verification before sharing it further.  

Bolt has now urged the public to ignore the viral document and rely only on information published through its verified channels, including its website, official social media accounts and mobile application.

The company insists business is continuing as usual and says its focus remains on providing transport services while creating economic opportunities for thousands of drivers, couriers and merchants across Kenya.