9 Money-Making Ideas for Lorry Owners in Kenya

A lorry parked in the compound still costs you insurance, licences and loan repayments. The trick is keeping it busy, and in Kenya there's steady work for lorry owners who pick the right niche.

House moves, deliveries for wholesalers and online shops, construction materials, farm produce and waste collection all pay. The nine ideas below show who the clients are, what you'd need to set up and which bring money in fastest. Checked in November 2026.

How can you make money with a lorry in Kenya?

The steadiest money for a lorry owner in Kenya comes from regular contracts: delivery routes for wholesalers, retailers and courier firms, or haulage for contractors. One-off jobs such as house moves and furniture delivery fill the gaps. Whatever you choose, the lorry needs to be licensed and insured for commercial use.

Contract work that keeps a lorry busy

1. Deliveries for wholesalers and retailers

Distributors and wholesalers need trucks to restock shops on fixed routes. Offer a dedicated route, such as a warehouse to a cluster of shops, at a weekly or monthly rate. Reliability wins these contracts: turn up on time, every time, and keep signed delivery notes for every drop.

2. Courier and parcel line-haul

Courier companies and online sellers move parcels between towns every day. They need lorries that leave on schedule and can show proof of delivery. Approach courier firms in your town and offer regular runs on the routes they serve.

3. Construction materials

Sand, ballast, timber, steel and cement move to building sites every day. Contractors and hardware shops pay per trip or per day. The work is hard on tyres and suspension, so price your trips to cover the wear.

4. Waste collection

Estates, businesses and markets pay for regular waste collection. You'll need a licence from your county and a covered body, and you must dispose of waste only at approved sites. Once you have contracts, the income is regular.

One-off jobs that fill the gaps

5. House and office moves

People move every month, especially at month-end. List your lorry on Facebook Marketplace and WhatsApp groups, and partner with estate agents and caretakers who hear about moves first. Bring a crew and protective blankets, and agree in writing who pays for damage.

6. Furniture and appliance delivery

Many furniture shops and appliance dealers don't own delivery trucks. Partner with showrooms near you and charge per delivery, based on distance and how much carrying is involved.

7. Farm produce

Moving produce from farms to markets is steady in season. Early starts matter, because traders want goods at the market before dawn. Keep the body clean and covered.

Ideas that need more investment

8. Cold-chain transport

Dairy, fish, meat and flowers need refrigerated transport. A refrigerated body is a big investment but serves businesses that pay well and need reliable partners. Talk to potential clients before you convert.

9. Advertising on your lorry

Businesses pay to put their branding on lorries that travel busy routes. It's small, passive income on top of your main work. Check your county's rules on advertising on vehicles.

Licences, insurance and costs to plan for

• Commercial licensing. A lorry used for hire needs to meet NTSA's commercial vehicle rules, including inspection and the right licences.
• Commercial insurance. Cover for goods in transit protects you when a client's goods are damaged.
• Driver and crew. If you don't drive yourself, hire a licensed, experienced driver and agree pay, hours and fuel rules in writing.
• Fuel, tyres and servicing. These decide your profit. Price each job with them in mind, and set aside money for repairs every month.
• Tax. Income from your lorry is taxable. Keep records and issue proper invoices; our eTIMS registration guide explains how.

A worked example

Say a wholesaler pays you KES 8,000 a day for a regular route, 22 days a month. That's KES 176,000. Take off fuel, the driver's pay, insurance, licences, servicing and loan repayments, and what's left is your profit. Run this sum for every job before you agree a price, because a busy lorry can still lose money if the rate is too low.

If you also have a car to put to work, see our guide to making money with your car.

Frequently asked questions

What business can I do with a lorry in Kenya?

Deliveries for wholesalers and courier firms, construction materials haulage, house moves, furniture delivery, farm produce transport and waste collection are the most common. Contract work is steadier than one-off jobs.

How do lorry owners find clients?

Approach distributors, hardware shops, furniture showrooms, courier firms and estate agents directly, and list your lorry on Facebook Marketplace and WhatsApp groups. Reliable service brings repeat work and referrals.

Do I need a special licence to use my lorry for business?

Yes. A lorry used for hire must meet NTSA's commercial vehicle requirements, and waste collection also needs a county licence. You also need commercial insurance.

How do I price lorry hire?

Work out your cost per day or per kilometre, including fuel, the driver, insurance, servicing and loan repayments, then add your margin. Charge more for heavy loading, long waits and difficult routes.