MOMBASA, Kenya – Bolt has added tuk-tuks to its ride-hailing app in Mombasa, allowing residents and tourists to book the popular three-wheelers directly from their smartphones.
The new service brings one of Mombasa’s most recognisable forms of transport into the digital ride-hailing space, giving passengers an alternative to booking cars or finding tuk-tuks on the streets.
The move combines Mombasa’s established tuk-tuk culture with app-based transport, allowing customers to request a vehicle, view the fare and receive driver details before starting their journey.
Bolt has positioned the new service as an affordable option for short trips around the coastal city, with fares starting from Sh150.
Customers can request a tuk-tuk through the Bolt app by following the same basic process used to book other rides.
After opening the app, a passenger enters their destination in the search bar. They can then scroll through the available vehicle categories and select TukTuk before confirming the ride.
The app provides the passenger with the upfront fare and details of the driver matched to the booking.
This gives riders more visibility over their journey before they get into the vehicle, while allowing them to arrange transport without having to find a tuk-tuk on the roadside.
The service accommodates up to two passengers, making it particularly suited to individuals or small groups travelling short distances.
Passengers can also use different payment methods, including cash, M-Pesa and card, giving riders flexibility depending on their preferred payment option.
Bolt has advertised tuk-tuk rides from as little as Sh150, making the service an option for passengers looking for relatively affordable transport around Mombasa.
The actual fare for a trip can vary depending on factors such as the distance and other ride conditions, with the app showing the applicable fare during the booking process.
Tuk-tuks have become an integral part of Mombasa’s transport network, particularly for short-distance journeys. Their compact size allows them to navigate smaller roads and busy areas while carrying passengers and light luggage.
For tourists, the service also offers a familiar digital way to arrange a ride while experiencing one of the coastal city’s most recognisable forms of transport.
The company is effectively bringing a traditional Mombasa transport option into the same digital ecosystem already used by its ride-hailing customers.
The tuk-tuk service adds to Bolt’s existing presence in Mombasa.
The company already provides several mobility and delivery services in the coastal city, including Bolt Taxi and Bolt Boda, giving customers different options depending on their travel needs.
The addition of tuk-tuks expands that selection further and gives the company another way to serve passengers who prefer smaller vehicles.
For residents, the service offers a straightforward way to request a tuk-tuk without negotiating a ride on the street. For tourists, it provides a digital booking option for a vehicle closely associated with Mombasa’s urban identity.
