7 Ways to Make Money With Your Car in Kenya

Your car probably sits parked for most of the day. In Kenya, that idle time can earn money, from the school run for a small daycare to weddings, airport transfers and weekend Bolt trips.

But a car that works also wears out faster, burns more fuel and needs the right insurance. Here are seven ways to make it pay, who the customers are, and the costs that eat into what you keep. Checked in November 2026.

What's the best way to make money with your car in Kenya?

The steadiest way to make money with a car in Kenya is a regular contract: school runs, staff transport or airport transfers for a hotel. Ride-hailing on Bolt or Uber is the easiest to start but the platform takes a cut of every trip. Event hire and private hire pay well per day but come irregularly.

1. School and daycare transport

Many small schools and daycares can't afford their own bus, and parents want a safe, reliable driver. A van carries enough children to make this a business. A saloon can still take a few children on one route.

Parents usually pay per child per month, and the work follows the school calendar, so you know your income for the term. Before you start, confirm the insurance and NTSA rules for carrying schoolchildren commercially, and agree pick-up times and payment dates in writing.

2. Upcountry parcel runs

If you drive between Nairobi and your home area regularly, carry parcels both ways: produce and goods from the village to relatives in town, and shopping or electronics back. Charge per parcel, and set a fixed schedule so people know when to bring things.

Write down every parcel, its owner and the receiver's phone number. Don't carry anything you haven't seen packed.

3. Private hire for visitors and professionals

Visitors, NGO staff and business travellers often prefer a trusted private driver to a taxi app, especially for full-day trips. A clean, comfortable car and a good reputation are what this market pays for. It grows almost entirely by referral, so reliability matters more than the car's brand.

4. Bolt or Uber at evenings and weekends

Ride-hailing is the easiest car hustle to start, and evenings and weekends tend to be busiest. Bolt takes an 18% commission plus 16% VAT, according to the fees in our weekend side hustles guide, and you need the right licence and commercial insurance for your car.

Track your fuel and maintenance against what you earn. On a long night, it's easy to drive a lot of kilometres for very little.

5. Weddings and events

Weddings, graduations and corporate events hire SUVs, premium saloons and vans by the day, with a driver. The work is seasonal, with busy months around holidays.

If you don't own a premium car, you can still earn as a broker: link event planners with car owners you trust and take a commission.

6. Airport transfers

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport bring a steady flow of travellers. Partner with hotels, guest houses, Airbnb hosts and travel agents who need a reliable driver on call. Being on time, every time, is how you keep these partners.

7. Staff transport contracts

Some companies pay private drivers to move staff who work late or on shifts. Contracts are usually monthly, which makes this one of the most predictable car hustles. Have a backup plan for when your car is in the garage, because missing a pick-up can lose you the contract.

Costs that eat into what you earn

• Fuel. Your biggest running cost. Price every job with fuel in mind.
• Commercial insurance. Private insurance usually doesn't cover a car used for hire. An accident while uninsured for commercial use can cost you the car.
• Licences. Carrying paying passengers needs the right NTSA approvals and, for ride-hailing, a PSV badge.
• Wear and tear. Tyres, brakes and servicing come round faster. Set aside part of every payment.
• Tax. Income from your car is taxable. Declare it in your annual iTax return.

A worked example

Say you earn KES 30,000 a month from a school run. If fuel costs KES 12,000, you set aside KES 4,000 for servicing and tyres, and commercial insurance adds the equivalent of KES 3,000 a month, you keep KES 11,000. That's still useful income, but far less than the headline figure. Run the same sum before you take any job.

If you're thinking of buying a car for this, read our guide to importing a car to Kenya first, so the KRA bill doesn't surprise you. Lorry owners have different options; see our ideas for lorry owners.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my private car for Bolt or Uber in Kenya?

You can, but you need the right licences and insurance for carrying paying passengers, and the platform will check your documents. Bolt also takes an 18% commission plus VAT on each trip.

Do I need special insurance to use my car for business?

Yes. Most private motor policies don't cover a car used for hire or reward. Ask your insurer for commercial or PSV cover before you take paying passengers or goods.

Which car side hustle pays most steadily?

Regular contracts such as school transport and staff transport. They pay monthly and follow a fixed schedule, unlike event hire or ride-hailing.

Can I make money with my car without driving it myself?

Yes. You can hire a trusted driver, or act as a broker linking event planners with car owners. Agree everything in writing, including who pays for fuel and damage.