Owning a car in Kenya is not just about convenience anymore. With the rising cost of living, many car owners are finding clever ways to turn their vehicles into a thriving side hustle in Kenya.
From offering school transport for daycares to leasing out cars for events, your car could be your gateway to a profitable side hustle.
The good news is that you don’t always need a luxury ride to get started – sometimes, even a small car can put extra cash in your pocket.
Let’s look at some of the most profitable ways to make money with your car in Kenya.
Private Transport for Small Schools
Many parents, especially those with children in daycare and lower primary, are always looking for safe, reliable school transport since most small schools can’t afford to get their own bus.
If you have a van, this side hustle can quickly become a stable source of income. Even with a standard saloon car, you can still carry a few children to and from school.
On average, parents pay between KSh 2,500 – KSh 5,000 per child per month, depending on distance. If you manage to sign up 10 children, you’re looking at KSh 25,000 – 50,000 monthly, not counting fuel.
Later, you can expand this by getting a small used van on Jiji (e.g a 14-seater matatu) for around Ksh 350,000. For an extra Ksh 50,000, you can then customize it to accommodate 18 kids.
At a rate of Ksh 5000/month per child, you are looking at Ksh 90,000 monthly, so you can break even in just 5 months!
This makes offering school transport one of the most consistent side hustle in Kenya, as school terms are predictable and long-term.
Mashinani Delivery Car
Offering delivery from rural areas to cities is another creative side hustle in Kenya for car owners that takes advantage of trips between rural areas and the city.
When going to Nairobi, you can carry parcels from villagers to their relatives in town. On your return, you take back city goods (shopping, electronics, clothing) back to rural families.
Depending on your route, you can charge KSh 200 – 500 per parcel. A fully packed small van can easily carry 50 parcels on a single trip, which equates to a minimum of KSh 20,000 in a single round trip!
Mashinani delivery in Kenya works even better if you set a schedule and build trust with clients who know when to expect you.
Private Car Hire for UN Delegates and Tourists
Kenya hosts thousands of UN staff, expatriates, and high-spending tourists. Many of them prefer the comfort and safety of a private chauffeur-driven car rather than standard taxis.
If you have a premium car (SUVs like Prado, Land Cruiser, or even a well-maintained sedan), you can position yourself for this market.
Rates here are lucrative. A day’s hire can go for KSh 8,000 – 15,000 per day, depending on the car and services offered. If you manage just two bookings per week, that’s KSh 60,000+ a month.
Private car hire in Kenya thrives on referrals, so building reliability and professionalism in this space is key.
Uber or Bolt in Evenings and Weekends
Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt still remain one of the easiest entry points for car side hustles in Kenya. The trick is to avoid peak daytime traffic and instead target evenings and weekends.
Friday and Saturday nights are especially busy for cab drivers thanks to nightlife demand.
On a good night, drivers can make KSh 3,000 – 6,000, and if you only dedicate this as a weekend side hustle, you could pocket KSh 25,000+ a month.
The downside is wear and tear on your car, but the profit margins from uber side hustle business can help with fuel and maintenance costs.
Car Hire for Events Like Weddings
Weddings, graduations, and corporate events always demand premium cars for transport and photography. SUVs like Prados, Land Cruisers, and vans are especially popular.
Even if you don’t have such a car, you can start small and network with car owners to manage hires as a broker.
Daily rates range for car hire in Kenya are between KSh 7,000 – 20,000 per vehicle, depending on class. Two hires per month could already cover your car loan or maintenance.
Some car brokers in Kenya even manage fleets without owning a single car and still take home a tidy commission.
Airport Transfers
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport see a constant flow of travelers every day. Many visitors prefer pre-arranged, private transfers instead of hailing a cab.
With a reliable sedan or van, you can tap into this market by partnering with travel agencies, hotels, or even listing services online.
Airport transfers in Nairobi typically charge between KSh 2,000 – 4,500 per trip, depending on the distance and car type. A few transfers a week could easily bring in an extra KSh 20,000+ per month.
Corporate Staff Transport
Some companies outsource staff transport to private car owners, especially for employees who work late hours or in shifts. If your car is fuel-efficient and you can commit to regular schedules, this is a side hustle worth exploring.
Monthly contracts can pay KSh 30,000 – 60,000, depending on the distance and number of staff transported. The best part is that you get guaranteed, consistent income compared to irregular hires.
Summary: Car Side Hustles in Kenya
| Side Hustle Idea | Estimated Earnings (Monthly) | Best Car Type | Consistency Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private School Transport | KSh 25,000 – 50,000 | Van / Sedan | Very High |
| Mashinani Delivery | KSh 20,000 – 40,000 (few trips) | Any with good boot | Medium |
| UN/Tourist Private Hire | KSh 60,000+ | SUV / Premium Sedan | Medium |
| Uber/Bolt (Evenings & Weekends) | KSh 25,000+ | Any Sedan | High |
| Wedding & Event Car Hire | KSh 15,000 – 60,000+ | SUV / Van | Medium |
| Airport Transfers | KSh 20,000+ | Sedan / Van | Medium-High |
| Corporate Staff Transport | KSh 30,000 – 60,000 | Sedan / Van | High |
The truth is, a car is more than just a liability. With a little creativity, you can transform it into a reliable source of extra income in Kenya. Whether it’s steady school runs or lucrative UN hires, your car side hustle could be the partner you need to keep money flowing in.
