How to Start an Uber Taxi Business in Kenya
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Ride-hailing has changed how Kenyans get around. Instead of haggling with a taxi driver at the stage, riders tap an app and a car arrives in minutes. For car owners and drivers, that means a ready stream of customers without spending a shilling on marketing: the app finds the passengers for you.
You can drive full-time or part-time, drive your own car, or own one or more cars and hire drivers to run them. Here is what Uber Kenya currently asks for.
Step 1: Get the right car
Uber’s vehicle rules in Kenya depend on the type of trip (product) you want to offer:
| Uber product | Minimum model year | Vehicle type |
|---|---|---|
| Chapchap | 2016 or newer | Car in good condition. Hatchbacks of 1300cc or less can only do Chapchap trips. |
| Comfort | 2018 or newer | 4-door sedan in good condition |
| UberXXL | 2018 or newer | Minivan seating up to six passengers |
The car must be in excellent working and physical condition. Uber also publishes a list of eligible makes and models for Nairobi, so check it before you buy a car for this business.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
For the vehicle (owner/partner):
- Logbook (motor vehicle registration)
- PSV insurance certificate
- Vehicle inspection report from an Uber-approved inspection centre (done every year)
- National ID of the owner/partner
- VIN report
- Aesthetic report (Comfort and XXL only)
For the driver:
- National ID card
- PSV driving licence
- KRA PIN certificate (see how to check a KRA PIN)
- A clear, forward-facing profile photo (no sunglasses, not a photo of your licence)
- Pass Uber’s safety screening and attend a certification session
Step 3: Sign up
- Download the Uber Driver app or start on uber.com/ke/en/drive.
- Create your account and choose whether you will drive yourself or manage a fleet.
- Add your personal and vehicle details.
- Upload the documents listed above. Make sure each one is clear and that the registration number matches your profile.
- Take the car for its inspection and upload the report.
- Complete the safety screening and certification session.
- Once approved, go online in the app and start accepting trips.
If you own more than one car, add each vehicle and each driver to your account. Every driver must meet the driver requirements on their own.
Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Many Kenyan drivers sign up on more than one ride-hailing app to keep busy. See our list of taxi apps in Kenya.
Uber does not pay for repairs or maintenance needed to pass an inspection. Budget for servicing, fuel, PSV insurance and Uber’s service fee before you work out whether the business will pay.
For more detail on driver rules, read requirements for driving an Uber taxi.
