Importing a vehicle into Kenya remains one of the most popular ways for individuals, businesses, ride-share operators, and fleet managers to acquire reliable, cost-effective cars—especially in a market where new-vehicle prices often exceed KSh 5–10 million for popular SUVs and saloons. In 2026, the process is tightly regulated by three core authorities: the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for customs valuation and taxation, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for pre-shipment conformity and age/roadworthiness compliance, and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for final registration and road-use approval. The landscape shifted significantly at the start of 2026. Effective January 1, 2026, KEBS enforced a stricter interpretation of the long-standing eight-year age limit under KS 1515:2000 (Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles) and Legal Notice No. 78 of 2020. Only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles whose year of first registration is January 1, 2019, or late...
I. Introduction: The KES 213,000/Month Dream vs. The Reality
The Kenyan ride-share market is a high-stakes battleground for drivers. With reports of top earners grossing over KES 213,000 per month, the potential is clear, but so are the soaring costs of fuel, maintenance, and the ever-present platform commissions.
Following driver protests, the Kenyan government stepped in, capping commissions to protect driver earnings. This single regulation has fundamentally leveled the playing field between the giants: Uber and Bolt. The unique variable now is inDrive, which operates on a fundamentally different, driver-centric model.
This guide moves beyond the driver-talk to break down the economics of each platform, comparing commission rates, fare structures, demand consistency, and ultimately, which one puts the most net income in your pocket at the end of the month.
II. Commission and Fare Structure Breakdown
The 2022 National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulations put a legal ceiling on what digital hailing platforms can charge drivers. This is the starting point for comparing earnings.
| Platform | Commission Rate (Post-Cap) | Fare Setting Model | Driver’s Financial Focus |
| Uber | 18% | Fixed Algorithm (Distance + Time + Surge) | Consistent, Predictable Demand & Surge |
| Bolt | 18% + 16% VAT on Commission | Fixed Algorithm (Distance + Time + Surge) | Volume, Incentives, and Lowest Commission Base |
| inDrive | 5% – 10% (Variable) | Negotiation (Driver & Passenger agree) | Low Commission and Higher Average Fare |
Bolt's Commission Nuance
Bolt is widely reported to be the market leader in Kenya by volume. They adhere to the 18% cap, but recent changes (effective April 2025) mandated the addition of 16% VAT on the commission fee.
Total Commission Burden} = 18% + 16\% of 18%
While the law caps the commission rate at 18%, the legal VAT imposition adds a layer of complexity and a slightly higher effective deduction rate for the driver compared to a pure 18% fee.
The Indriver Advantage
inDrive's model is a game-changer. It is a peer-to-peer negotiation platform. The passenger suggests a fare, and the driver can either accept or make a counter-offer.
Benefit: Drivers directly influence the final fare, reducing the common issue of sub-economic pricing.
The Cost: InDrive’s commission is the lowest at 5%–10% (depending on the region/service), meaning drivers keep a significantly larger percentage of every ride they complete.
III. Driver Earnings: Volume vs. Value
The true measure of a platform is not the commission, but the net daily revenue after all costs (fuel, commission, maintenance) are factored in.
1. Uber: The Peak-Hour Specialist
Uber generally dominates the corporate and premium segments.
Pros: Higher and more consistent surge pricing during peak hours (e.g., morning rush, late nights). High demand in affluent areas like Upper Hill and Westlands. Good app stability and strong safety features.
Cons: Strict vehicle requirements (minimum year of manufacture). The 18% commission (plus any VAT/taxes applied) eats heavily into the earnings of longer, low-surge trips.
2. Bolt: The Volume Leader
Bolt is the market leader for daily commuters and students, known for aggressive marketing and competitive pricing, which translates to high trip volume for drivers.
Pros: Highest Trip Volume. This means less waiting time (or dead time) between trips, which is critical for maximizing earnings. Bolt also runs more frequent driver incentive and bonus programs (like vehicle branding rewards) designed to boost gross income.
Cons: Lower base fares often mean that short, traffic-heavy trips offer a poor return on investment compared to Uber's minimum fares. The high volume also means higher wear-and-tear on the vehicle.
3. inDrive: The Freedom Fighter
inDrive is gaining popularity because it shifts pricing power back to the driver.
Pros: Lowest Effective Commission (5%–10%). The driver is free to counter-offer for a fare that actually covers their costs. Drivers can see the destination before accepting, allowing them to cherry-pick lucrative or preferred routes and avoid congestion spots.
Cons: Inconsistent Demand. You rely on the passenger accepting your counter-offer. It is not the platform for guaranteed, back-to-back trips in an emergency. The fare is less protected by a fixed structure, leaving room for passengers to make unreasonably low offers.
IV. Conclusion: Which Platform is Truly Best?
There is no single "best" app; the most profitable strategy for a Kenyan driver is a multi-platform approach.
For Full-Time Dedicated Drivers (The Fleet Owner): Bolt is the best primary platform for maximizing overall daily volume and accessing incentives, despite the slightly higher effective commission burden (18% + VAT).
For Part-Time/Strategic Drivers (The Individual Owner): Uber for reliable surge pricing and corporate clients, and inDrive for strategic, high-value, low-commission long-distance or airport transfers where you can negotiate a favorable price.
Ultimately, the power lies in leveraging the strengths of each app to minimize dead time and maximize the percentage of every fare you keep.
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