Bolt Ordered to Restore Toyota Sienta Cars in XL Category

In Short

Bolt has been ordered by the High Court to reinstate Toyota Sienta vehicles in its XL category. The court found the company violated drivers’ right to fair administrative action by removing the cars without a hearing or written reasons.

What Happened

Bolt removed Toyota Sienta vehicles from its XL category in February 2025, according to the judgment. Drivers said they had operated the model under the higher-paying XL option since 2017.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Roselyne Aburili on behalf of Justice Chacha Mwita, the High Court ruled the decision was discriminatory and violated Article 47 of the Constitution. Article 47 guarantees the right to fair administrative action.

The court prohibited Bolt Operations OÜ and Bolt Support KE Limited from removing Toyota Sienta vehicles from the XL category. It also barred similar action against other drivers using the model.

Justice Aburili said Bolt “untagged the drivers from the Bolt application without giving them a hearing or written reason for their action thereafter.” The court also held that Bolt’s decision was an administrative action and had to be lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.

The petitioners were awarded costs of the case. The court declined their request for Sh1 million each in compensation and additional damages for lost earnings.

Why It Matters

Drivers argued the move reduced their earning opportunities because XL trips generated between 50 and 100 per cent more revenue than standard Bolt and Bolt Economy trips. Some drivers said they had taken out vehicle loans based on their ability to access the XL category, and faced financing obligations after their cars were reclassified.

The ruling sets a clear expectation that platform decisions affecting driver access and income should follow due process, including a hearing and written reasons.