Public Transport in Kenya

Taxi 

Taxi is usually the easiest form of Transport in Kenya, Uber and Taxify are available but often unreliable. Both Uber and Taxify frequently cancel and are often 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.

Matatu

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

Bus

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,  Check out the timetable here. http://kenyabus.net/

Car

If you are moving to Kenya you need a car.  Driving in Nairobi and Kenyan is a hair raising experience but entirely possible.   I am the least confident driver in the world and happily zoom around Nairobi cutting up traffic with the best of them. 

Buying a car

Cars in Kenya are hideously expensive so much so that most people go for second-hand cars.  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.

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

• Make sure you have your KRA pin first otherwise you won't be able to buy

• 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.

Found the car of your dreams?

• Get the car checked, ask around for a good and 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

Car Hire

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 Driver's Permit is generally acceptable.

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

Hire a driver

The safest and easiest way to travel 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.

Transport in Kenya – how to travel in Kenya.

For list of my recommended travel and transport companies in Kenya, have a look at the blog HERE. To read about my experience of the wonderful SGR train then follow THIS link.

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