From Airport Pickups to Estate Errands—What You Need to Know Before You Book

In Kenya, car rentals are more than convenience—they’re a gateway to verified comfort, flexibility, and control. Whether you’re hosting guests in Syokimau, managing errands in Machakos, or planning a coastal getaway in Mombasa, trusted rental car services ensure your journey is smooth, safe, and tailored to your needs. This guide breaks down real costs, vehicle types, regional trends, and how to hire verified drivers through Balozy.

💰 National Snapshot: Rental Car Costs in Kenya (2025)

Vehicle Type Daily Rate (KES) Notes
Compact Car (e.g., Demio, Vitz) 2,000–4,000 Ideal for errands, solo travel
Sedan (e.g., Axio, Premio) 3,000–6,000 Comfortable for 4–5 passengers
SUV (e.g., RAV4, X-Trail) 5,000–10,000 Great for long trips, rough roads
Luxury SUV (e.g., Prado, V8) 10,000–25,000 VIP transport, weddings, corporate
Van/Minibus (e.g., Noah, Hiace) 6,000–12,000 Ideal for group travel
Pickup Truck (e.g., Hilux) 5,000–10,000 Farm, estate, or cargo use
Chauffeur Service (add-on) 1,000–3,000/day Includes verified driver
Airport Transfer (one-way) 2,000–5,000 JKIA, Wilson, Kisumu, Eldoret
Fuel Charges Varies Often excluded from base rate
Deposit (refundable) 5,000–20,000 Based on vehicle type
Long-Term Rental (weekly/monthly) Discounted rates Ideal for short-stay hosts or corporate use

Source: , ,

🏙️ City-by-City Breakdown

1. Nairobi

Kenya’s rental hub—home to airport transfers, corporate fleets, and estate-based mobility.

  • Compact Car (e.g., Vitz, Demio):
    • KSh 2,500–4,000/day
    • Ideal for errands, solo travel, or short-stay guests
  • Luxury SUV (e.g., Prado, V8):
    • KSh 15,000–25,000/day
    • Includes chauffeur, ideal for weddings or VIPs
  • Airport Transfer (JKIA):
    • KSh 2,000–5,000 one-way
    • Includes verified driver and luggage handling

Balozy Tip: Nairobi rentals often offer WhatsApp booking and same-day delivery—perfect for hosts and estate managers.

2. Machakos

Affordable and responsive—Machakos rentals serve estates, schools, and short-stay properties.

  • Sedan (e.g., Axio, Premio):
    • KSh 3,000–5,000/day
    • Ideal for family errands or guest pickups
  • Pickup Truck (e.g., Hilux):
    • KSh 5,000–8,000/day
    • Great for farm deliveries or estate work
  • Chauffeur Service:
    • KSh 1,000–2,000/day
    • Includes verified driver and fuel tracking

Balozy Tip: Many Machakos drivers offer estate-wide packages—perfect for gated communities and short-stay hosts.

3. Mombasa

Coastal rentals blend tropical comfort, salt-resistant vehicles, and Swahili elegance.

  • SUV (e.g., RAV4, X-Trail):
    • KSh 6,000–10,000/day
    • Ideal for beach trips and rough terrain
  • Van/Minibus (e.g., Noah, Hiace):
    • KSh 7,000–12,000/day
    • Great for group travel or family events
  • Luxury SUV (e.g., Range Rover):
    • KSh 20,000–30,000/day
    • Includes chauffeur and coastal-friendly detailing

Balozy Tip: Ask for coastal-experienced vehicles—humidity affects upholstery, electronics, and suspension.

4. Kisumu

Lake-side rentals focus on guest comfort, cultural pride, and scenic mobility.

  • Compact Car (e.g., Demio):
    • KSh 2,000–3,500/day
    • Ideal for solo travel or short-stay errands
  • Sedan (e.g., Premio):
    • KSh 3,000–5,000/day
    • Includes verified driver (optional)
  • Airport Transfer (Kisumu Intl):
    • KSh 2,000–4,000 one-way
    • Includes luggage handling and guest comfort

Balozy Tip: Ask for Luo-inspired hospitality—perfect for weddings, cultural events, and guest pickups.

5. Eldoret

Known for spacious compounds and farm-friendly mobility setups.

  • Pickup Truck (e.g., Hilux):
    • KSh 5,000–9,000/day
    • Ideal for rural errands and estate work
  • Van/Minibus (e.g., Hiace):
    • KSh 6,000–10,000/day
    • Great for school transport or group travel
  • Long-Term Rental (weekly/monthly):
    • KSh 20,000–80,000/week
    • Includes maintenance and verified driver

Balozy Tip: Eldoret rentals often offer generator-friendly setups—ask for rural packages and travel rates.

🚘 What’s Included in Rental Car Services?

Service Element Included? Notes
Vehicle Delivery ✅ Most vendors offer estate or airport drop-off
Verified Driver Option ✅/❌ Optional add-on
Fuel Policy ✅/❌ Often excluded from base rate
Insurance Coverage ✅ Basic third-party; comprehensive optional
GPS & Tracking ✅/❌ Available in premium packages
WhatsApp Booking ✅ Available for most Balozy vendors
Roadside Assistance ✅/❌ Optional or bundled
Long-Term Discounts ✅ Weekly/monthly rates available
Safety & Hygiene ✅ Verified vehicles only
Deposit Refund Policy ✅ Based on vehicle condition and duration

Balozy Tip: Always confirm fuel policy, insurance type, and driver verification before booking.

🧠 What Affects Rental Car Costs?

✅ Vehicle Type

  • Luxury SUVs and vans cost more than compact cars
  • Pickup trucks and minibuses vary by use case

✅ Location

  • Nairobi and Mombasa rates are higher
  • Transport to rural areas adds KSh 500–2,000

✅ Duration

  • Longer rentals often come with discounts
  • Daily rates apply for short-term use

✅ Driver Option

  • Chauffeur service adds KSh 1,000–3,000/day
  • Ideal for guests, weddings, or errands

✅ Occasion Type

  • Weddings, corporate events, and airport transfers cost more than casual use

💡 Smart Ways to Save on Car Rentals

  1. Use Verified Balozy Drivers: Compare ratings, photos, and vehicle condition
  2. Bundle Services: Combine airport transfer, errands, and long-term use
  3. Choose Local Talent: Hiring within your town reduces transport fees
  4. Book Early: Holiday and wedding slots fill up fast
  5. Ask for WhatsApp Estimates: Avoid surprises with clear scope and pricing

📲 How to Hire a Rental Car Using the Balozy App

Step-by-Step:

  1. Download the Balozy App
  2. Tap “Find a Service”
    • Select “Car Hire” or search keywords like “rental car,” “airport transfer,” “chauffeur,” or “SUV.”
  3. Filter by Location & Vehicle Type
    • Choose your area