Car Hire Nairobi – The Complete Guide to Car Rental in Kenya

Trips Advisors • March 4, 2026

 Booking & How It Works

How do I book a car with Riderentals?

Booking a car with Riderentals is simple and can be done in three ways:

• Online: Visit www.riderentals.co and complete the hire request form with your contact details, pickup location, dates, destination, and vehicle type.
• WhatsApp or Phone: Contact 0714 877 948 for quick same-day bookings.
• Email: Send your request to customerservice@riderentals.co for formal or corporate bookings.

Once your request is submitted, confirmation is sent via WhatsApp or email together with the vehicle details.

How quickly can I get a car after booking?

Within Nairobi, Riderentals delivers vehicles in an average of 49 minutes. For urgent bookings, contacting the team via WhatsApp or phone is recommended.

Can I book a car in advance?

Yes. Advance bookings are highly recommended to guarantee vehicle availability, especially during:

• Public holidays
• School holidays
• December festive season
• Safari peak season (July–October)

Booking in advance carries no extra charge.

What is the minimum rental period?

The minimum rental period for self-drive vehicles is 24 hours.
For chauffeur-driven services, hourly bookings are available for short city trips or airport transfers.

Can I extend my rental during the hire period?

Yes. Contact Riderentals via WhatsApp or phone to extend your rental. Extensions are processed subject to vehicle availability and the additional cost is prorated.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

Cancellations should be communicated as early as possible via WhatsApp or phone. Cancellation terms depend on how far in advance the cancellation is made and the vehicle category booked.

2. Pricing, Rates & Payment

How much does it cost to rent a car in Kenya?

Car rental prices vary depending on vehicle type and duration. Typical daily starting rates include:

• Economy cars: from KES 3,840 per day
• Mid-range sedans: from KES 4,500 per day
• Executive sedans: from KES 6,500 per day
• 7-seater MPVs: from KES 6,500 – 7,500 per day
• Mid-size SUVs: from KES 7,800 per day
• Premium SUVs (Prado, Land Cruiser): from KES 15,000 per day

Discounts apply for multi-day bookings.

Are there hidden charges when renting a car?

Riderentals operates a transparent pricing policy with no hidden charges. However, additional costs may apply for:

• Refundable security deposit
• Driver fees for chauffeur service
• Delivery outside Nairobi or Mombasa
• Cross-border permits
• Fuel policy adjustments

What payment methods are accepted?

Riderentals accepts:

• M-Pesa payments
• Bank transfers
• Card payments

Corporate clients can also arrange invoiced payments with credit terms.

Are monthly rental packages available?

Yes. Monthly rentals are available and popular with:

• Diaspora visitors
• NGO staff
• Corporate consultants
• Expatriates on long assignments

Monthly packages come with significant discounts compared to daily rates.

Is there a security deposit?

Yes. Most vehicles require a refundable security deposit. The amount depends on the vehicle category and is refunded once the vehicle is returned in good condition.

3. Documents & Eligibility

What documents do I need to rent a car in Kenya?

For Kenyan residents:
• National ID
• Valid driving licence
• Signed rental agreement
• Security deposit

For foreign visitors:
• Passport
• Foreign driving licence
• International Driving Permit (recommended)
• Signed rental agreement
• Security deposit

For chauffeur-driven rentals:
• Passport or ID only

What is the minimum age to rent a car?

The typical minimum age is 23–25 years, with at least 1–2 years of driving experience. Luxury vehicles may require stricter criteria.

Do foreigners need an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for foreign visitors renting a car for self-drive.

Why might a car rental booking be rejected?

Common reasons include:

• Expired driving licence
• Name mismatch between licence and ID
• No International Driving Permit for foreign drivers
• Driver below minimum age
• Insufficient driving experience
• Failure to pay the required deposit

4. Fleet & Vehicle Selection

What types of vehicles does Riderentals offer?

Riderentals provides a wide range of vehicles including:

• Economy cars (Mazda Demio, Honda Fit)
• Sedans (Toyota Axio, Premio, Fielder)
• Executive cars (Mark X, Crown, Mercedes)
• MPVs (Toyota Noah, Voxy)
• SUVs (RAV4, X-Trail, CX-5)
• Premium SUVs (Prado, Land Cruiser)
• Tour vans and safari vehicles
• Pickup trucks
• Electric vehicles
• Motorbikes and bicycles
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles

What car is best for a family trip?

Popular family vehicles include:

• Toyota Noah / Voxy – spacious and fuel efficient
• Mazda CX-5 – comfortable for long drives
• Nissan X-Trail – versatile SUV
• Toyota Prado – ideal for safaris and long trips

Are Riderentals vehicles well maintained?

Yes. Vehicles are regularly serviced, cleaned, and mechanically inspected. All vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking and immobilizers.

Can I rent an electric vehicle in Kenya?

Yes. Riderentals offers electric vehicles starting from about KES 12,000 per day, suitable mainly for city driving in Nairobi.

Is unlimited mileage offered?

Many rentals include unlimited mileage within Kenya, but this may vary depending on the vehicle category.

5. Self-Drive vs Chauffeur-Driven

What is the difference between self-drive and chauffeur hire?

Self-drive:
• You drive the vehicle
• Requires a licence and deposit
• More flexible and lower cost

Chauffeur-driven:
• Professional driver provided
• Only ID required
• Ideal for visitors, executives, and events

Are Riderentals drivers professional?

Yes. Drivers are:

• Background-checked
• Licensed and experienced
• Customer-service trained
• Familiar with major Kenyan routes

Can I switch from self-drive to chauffeur service?

Yes. You can request a driver during your rental period, subject to availability.

6. Airport Transfers & Delivery

Does Riderentals provide airport car hire?

Yes. Vehicles can be delivered at:

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
• Wilson Airport

Providing your flight number helps the driver track arrival times.

Is car delivery free?

Delivery is free within Nairobi. Delivery outside Nairobi or Mombasa may attract a fee.

Can the car be delivered to my hotel or home?

Yes. Riderentals provides door-to-door delivery to hotels, Airbnb locations, offices, or residences.

7. Safari & Road Trips

What car is best for safari travel?

Recommended vehicles include:

• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Toyota Prado
• Nissan X-Trail
• RAV4
• Safari vans with pop-up roofs

2WD sedans are generally not suitable for national park travel.

What are popular road trips from Nairobi?

• Nairobi to Naivasha – 90 km
• Nairobi to Nakuru – 156 km
• Nairobi to Nanyuki – 200 km
• Nairobi to Maasai Mara – 270 km
• Nairobi to Amboseli – 240 km
• Nairobi to Mombasa – 480 km

Can rental cars cross borders?

Yes, but only with advance approval and additional permits.

8. Corporate & Group Rentals

Does Riderentals offer corporate car hire?

Yes. Services include:

• Executive chauffeur services
• Staff shuttle transport
• Long-term fleet rentals
• Airport transfers for executives
• Corporate invoicing

Can I hire multiple vehicles for events?

Yes. Riderentals can provide multi-vehicle fleets for conferences, weddings, team-building events, and tours.

9. International Travelers

Can foreigners self-drive in Kenya?

Yes. Foreign visitors can drive with a valid foreign licence and an International Driving Permit for up to three months.

What should foreigners know about driving in Kenya?

• Drive on the left side of the road
• Speed limits vary between 50–110 km/h
• Traffic congestion is common in Nairobi
• Police checkpoints are common
• Avoid night driving in rural areas

10. Insurance & Safety

Is insurance included?

Yes. All vehicles are covered by comprehensive insurance, subject to an excess liability stated in the rental agreement.

What happens if the car breaks down?

Contact Riderentals immediately and the team will arrange:

• Roadside assistance
• Vehicle replacement
• Recovery and towing

What should I do if I am involved in an accident?

  1. Ensure safety first
  2. Contact police (999 or 112)
  3. Inform Riderentals immediately
  4. Take photos of the scene
  5. Obtain a police abstract

11. Weddings & Special Events

Does Riderentals provide wedding car hire?

Yes. Popular wedding vehicles include:

• Mercedes Benz
• Range Rover
• BMW
• Audi
• Toyota Prado
• Toyota Alphard

Can I hire a limousine?

Yes. Chauffeur-driven limousine services are available for weddings and VIP events.

12. Wheelchair-Accessible Transport

Does Riderentals provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles?

Yes. These vehicles include:

• Ramp or lift access
• Wheelchair restraint systems
• Spacious interiors
• Trained drivers

Is medical transport available?

Yes. Services include:

• Dialysis transport
• Post-surgery hospital transfers
• Long-distance medical travel

13. Earn by Listing Your Car

Can I list my car on Riderentals?

Yes. Riderentals operates a marketplace platform where vehicle owners can earn passive income by listing their cars.

What cars qualify for listing?

Vehicles must:

• Be in good mechanical condition
• Be comprehensively insured
• Have valid registration documents
• Be clean and presentable
• Have GPS tracking installed

14. Saving Money on Car Hire

How can I get the best car hire deal?

• Book 48–72 hours in advance
• Choose weekly or monthly packages
• Use self-drive instead of chauffeur service
• Select fuel-efficient vehicles
• Avoid peak travel seasons

Why choose Riderentals?

• 169+ vehicle fleet
• Fast delivery within Nairobi
• Transparent pricing
• GPS-tracked vehicles
• WhatsApp-first support
• Accessible transport options
• Trusted by 9,000+ customers


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Looking for bike racks in Kenya? Compare bicycle carriers for cars, explore options at Cycling Accessories and Parts and Sports House, or hire a car from Riderentals for your next cycling adventure.
By Tripple K Car hires • October 9, 2026
Mazda is a popular choice for drivers who value stylish design, comfortable interiors, reliable everyday performance and practical fuel economy. Whether you need a compact car for Nairobi traffic, an SUV for a family holiday or an executive sedan for business travel, Mazda offers several models to consider. If you are looking for Mazda car hire in Nairobi or Mombasa , visit www.riderentals.co to explore available vehicles and enquire about self-drive or chauffeur-driven options. 1. Mazda CX-5 – The All-Round SUV The Mazda CX-5 combines stylish design, comfortable seating and practical storage space. Its elevated driving position and balanced handling make it suitable for city driving, family trips and highway journeys. Best for: Families, couples, tourists and business travellers. Hire: Mazda CX-5 Car Hire in Kenya 2. Mazda CX-8 – Spacious Family SUV The Mazda CX-8 is a larger SUV offering three rows of seating in selected configurations. It is ideal for families and travellers who need additional passenger space and comfort on longer journeys. Best for: Larger families, executive travel and group holidays. Hire enquiries: Riderentals Nairobi Car Hire 3. Mazda Demio – Economical City Car The Mazda Demio is a compact hatchback that is easy to manoeuvre and park. It is an excellent option for navigating busy Nairobi streets, attending meetings and exploring Mombasa on a budget. Best for: Solo travellers, couples and budget-conscious renters. Hire: Mazda Demio for Hire in Kenya 4. Mazda CX-3 – Sporty Compact Crossover The Mazda CX-3 combines compact dimensions with attractive crossover styling. It offers a raised driving position and agile handling, making it suitable for urban driving and weekend outings. Best for: Young professionals, couples and small households. Hire enquiries: Explore Riderentals 5. Mazda Biante – Practical Family Minivan The Mazda Biante is designed for passenger comfort and group transportation. Depending on the configuration, it can accommodate up to eight occupants, making it useful for family outings and airport transfers. Best for: Larger families, small groups and holiday travel. Hire enquiries: Riderentals Mombasa Car Hire 6. Mazda Axela – Stylish Compact Sedan or Hatchback Also known as the Mazda3 in many markets, the Mazda Axela offers modern styling, responsive handling and a comfortable cabin. It is suitable for daily commuting and longer road trips. Best for: Professionals, couples and everyday commuters. Hire enquiries: Riderentals Car Rental 7. Mazda Atenza – Executive Sedan The Mazda Atenza, known as the Mazda6 in many markets, combines elegant styling with a spacious cabin and comfortable highway performance. It is an attractive option for corporate travel and business meetings. Best for: Executives, professionals and travellers seeking sedan comfort. Hire enquiries: Riderentals Nairobi Car Hire Which Mazda Should You Hire? Best all-round SUV: Mazda CX-5 Best for larger families: Mazda CX-8 Best for economical city driving: Mazda Demio Best compact crossover: Mazda CX-3 Best for group transportation: Mazda Biante Best compact sedan or hatchback: Mazda Axela Best executive sedan: Mazda Atenza  Hire a Mazda in Nairobi or Mombasa with Riderentals Riderentals makes it easy to explore car rental options for business trips, holidays, airport transfers and everyday travel in Kenya. Before booking, confirm the exact model, rental rate, availability, mileage policy, insurance terms and deposit requirements. Visit www.riderentals.co or call +254 714 877 948 to enquire about available vehicles.