Bolt Brings Mombasa’s Iconic Tuk Tuks to Riders’ Fingertips

More than just a means of transport, Tuk Tuks have become woven into the very fabric of Mombasa’s identity. Now, Bolt is making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to access one of the coast’s most beloved rides directly through its app.

Ask anyone familiar with Mombasa’s streets what defines the city, and Tuk Tuks are almost certain to be among the top answers. Colourful, compact, and distinctly coastal, they have become as integral to daily life as the beaches, Old Town and lively markets. Whether for a short trip to the local shop, a journey to the shore, or weaving through the city’s winding streets, Tuk Tuks have long been the preferred mode of transport for countless locals and tourists alike.

With the rise of digital mobility solutions across Kenya, Bolt is now enabling passengers to book Mombasa’s most recognisable transport option through the very platform they already rely on for motorcycles and cars. Rather than transforming how the city moves, the service mirrors the way Mombasa has always operated bringing together the various transport choices residents use every day into a single, convenient platform.

Dimmy Kanyankole, Senior General Manager of Bolt East Africa, emphasised the influence of local transport culture in shaping the company’s offerings.

“One of the things that makes Mombasa unique is that Tuk Tuks aren’t just another mode of transport, they’re part of the city’s everyday rhythm. People use them to get to work, visit family, run errands and explore the coast. By making them easier to access through the Bolt app, we’re reflecting the way people already move while giving passengers more choice depending on the type of journey they’re making.“

Unlike many cities where ride-hailing is predominantly associated with cars, Mombasa boasts a far more varied transport landscape. Shorter distances, bustling neighbourhoods, and the city’s unique geography have made Tuk Tuks a practical and popular choice for everyday travel, sitting comfortably alongside motorcycles and cars.

The increasing adoption of digital platforms is making these familiar transport options even more accessible, allowing passengers to compare choices based on convenience, distance, and budget, all from a single app. “Technology works best when it adapts to local communities rather than expecting communities to adapt to technology,” Kanyankole added.

“Every city has its own transport culture, and Mombasa’s is one of the most distinctive in Kenya. Our role is simply to make that experience more accessible and convenient for the people who use it every day.”

Whether heading to the beach, exploring Old Town, meeting friends for kahawa, or running errands around town, passengers in Mombasa can now choose between Tuk Tuks, motorcycles and cars through the Bolt app, offering the flexibility to travel in whatever way best suits their day.