Buying A Car In Kenya & Travelling Around Kenya

Buy a car in Kenya is a preserve of the rich; over 60% of people travel around Kenya but public transport, but as this is primarily an expatriate website, let’s dive into the pros and cons and how to’s of buying a car in Nairobi and the rest of Kenya.

This blog discusses transport in Kenya, including travelling by public transport, the best way to get around and buying a car. For information on the best way to get around Kenya, read this blog, which talks about airlines, trains and more tourist friendly ways of navigating East Africa.

Hungry for more information on planning a trip to Kenya… the Kenyan Trip Planner is the answer to your dreams.

Buying A Car in Kenya

Buying a car in Kenya is a tricky business. Cars in Kenya are hideously expensive, and most people tend to purchase second-hand cars, or import them from abroad. There are a lot of roadside dealers around and not all of them are legit. I know A LOT of people that have been conned out of money buying a car. So be careful.

Importing Cars From The UK.

Some people choose to import a car from the UK, where the cost of purchasing a car is much cheaper. Even with the addition of import costs, you may find that the total price of your imported car is cheaper or similar to that of buying a car in Kenya. The benefit to importing is that you get a car with a reliable history and you can buy a model that you can’t find in Kenya. If you want to import a car from the UK, get in touch with this UK based company https://www.garipoa.co.uk/ who will deliver a car of your specifications to your desired location.

Here are some simple steps for buying a car in Kenya.

Make sure you have your KRA pin first, otherwise you can’t legally purchase a car in Kenya.

Consider importing vs buying locally. Importing may be cheaper even with the huge import taxes you will have to pay but the bureaucracy and slow import mean most people don’t bother as it can take months and months for your car to arrive.

Consider which brand all cars aren’t equal in Kenya. Spare parts can be hard to come by so it would be prudent to buy a car where parts are easily obtained. Advice is to go with Nissan, VW, KIA, Subaru or Toyota.

4×4 vs car; if you want to go on safari (and why wouldn’t you) then you need a 4×4. Additionally, it gives you a greater presence on our chaotic roads, but of course, you will pay for the privilege.

Documents Required for Buying a Car in Kenya

Identification Documents
Proof of Income
Proof of Address
Bank Statements
Tax Compliance Certificate
Vehicle Insurance
Proof of Funds
Transfer of Ownership Forms

Found the car of your dreams?

Get the car checked, ask around for a reliable mechanic and take the car for a full check.

Every legit car should come with a copy of logbook. The logbook is proof of ownership and you must make sure you receive it when buying the car. No logbook = no sale.

Verify the car details on NTSA at a fee of KSH500

Write and sign an agreement of sale

Have the previous owner’s details e.g; PIN Number, copy of his or her National ID

You need to fill the logbook transfer form

Make changes on the logbook at NTSA

Pay Purchase Tax and transfer fee at KRA

Get your car insured

Essential Documents when Buying a Car in Kenya

Original Logbook (Vehicle Registration Booklet)
Vehicle Inspection Report
Valid Insurance Certificate
Service History
Original Purchase Invoice or Sales Agreement
Valid Identification Documents
Transfer of Ownership Forms
Mechanical Inspection Certificate (Optional)

Public Transport in Kenya

Most Kenyans can’t afford to buy a car in Kenya, so they rely on public transport. Buses connect most large towns, and taxis, Uber and Bolt, are soaring in popularity in bigger cities. So, if you are waiting on your new vehicle or simply can’t afford to purchase one yet, here are some tips on travelling around Kenya.

Taxis and Uber in Kenya

Taxi is usually the easiest form of transport in Kenya. Uber Bolt and Taxify are available but often unreliable. Both Uber and Taxify frequently cancel and are reluctant to travel to more remote areas, but as the network grows, they are improving. It can often prove prudent to ask around for the name of a reputable taxi company or driver that you can call instead.

Boda Boda/ Piki Piki

You will see these small taxi motorbikes everywhere in Kenya. A ride will get where you are going for very little cost, but may be taking your life into your own hands. You have been warned.

Kenya’s Matatu’s

Matatu’s are the most popular form of transport in Kenya. These are local buses & minivans that pick up and drop off passengers on shorter routes. Some Matatus are a work of art, graffiti painted with music blasting at top volume. They terrorise the roads, driving at breakneck speed and are mostly used by Kenyan locals.

If you want to travel by Matatu, then ask a local where the matatu is going and hop on and hop off as you will. Matatus are very inexpensive, starting at 30 c

Buses in Kenya

Kenya’s bus service offers a more rigid timetable with defined routes and more reliable service. They travel long distance throughout Kenya as well as routes within the cities. Look at Modern, Dreamline, Coast Bus and The Guardian Coach for long-distance buses. For local and long distance check out the timetable here. http://kenyabus.net/

The SGR Train in Kenya

For anyone heading to the coast, Voi, or Tsavo National Park, I would highly recommend the SGR Train/ Madaraka Express. The train is modern, clean, and efficient and can get you to the coast in 5 hours. First Class has individual seats with tray tables, plug sockets, and an on-site restaurant. The SGR train passes through Tsavo and offers views of Kilimanjaro and much of Kenya’s wildlife. I frequently spot elephants and other plains animals from the train.

Driving a Car Around Kenya

Even if you aren’t buying a car in Kenya, you can always hire one for trips. Remember if you are safari bound you will need a 4×4. Driving in Nairobi and Kenya is a hair-raising experience, but entirely possible. I am not a confident driver in the world, but I happily zoom around Nairobi, cutting up traffic with the best of them. I have also done longer trips to Diani, Watamu, Maasai Mara and Nanyuki. The Mombasa Road down to the coast, Tsavo and Amboseli is fairly hair-raising but if you take your time it’s a great, cheap and effective way to travel in Kenya. Do note that as of 2024, you can no longer self drive in the Maasai Mara, but you can drive to it.

Car Hire in Kenya

Car hire is available in Nairobi, from major hubs and the airport, and may be the most reliable form of transport in Kenya.

You must hold full and valid driving license for a minimum of 2 years with no current endorsements. A driving license from the country of residence or an International Drivers Permit is generally acceptable.

You must be over 23 years of age and under 70 years of age. The hirer and/or authorised driver must also have a proper means of identification other than a driver’s license.

Hire A Driver in Kenya

The safest and easiest way to travel around Kenya if you are on holiday or until you get yourself set up with a vehicle is to hire a car and driver. A driver knows the roads, knows the rules and the foibles of the Kenya traffic police.

You can hire a driver with a car, or hire a person to drive your car for you. It may sound like a luxury, but it saves a million headaches.

A reputable company with a driver is listed in the contacts section of this blog.

Travelling Around Kenya.

Click the link for a detailed insight into travelling around Kenya with local companies and prices.

Book Your Kenya Trip – Insider Tips

Find everything you need for visiting Kenya on my TRAVEL RESOURCES page.

Find everything you need for moving to Kenya in my THE EXPAT GUIDE TO LIVING IN NAIROBI book.

Kenya Accommodation: Boo king.com has the cheapest rates for hotels and guest houses in Kenya.
Accommodation Reviews: TripAdvisor is my go-to portal for checking reviews on accommodation/restaurants in the local area. I never book without checking TripAdvisor first.
ESIM: Airalo allows you to access the Internet from virtually any country without paying roaming charges
Car Rental: Rental Cars is managed by Booking.com – guaranteed reliable.
Tours and Guides in Kenya : Check out Get Your Guide and Viator – reputable companies that do tours within Kenya and East Africa.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I recommend Visitors Coverage, which covers you for East Africa and offers ‘special insurance’ for safaris and adventure sports:
Visitors Coverage
Compensair – if you have a cancelled or delayed flight, you may get a refund.

Buying a Car in Kenya & Travelling Around Kenya