List of Vehicles Accepted by Uber Kenya

Updated On April 16, 2024 – Added Additional Criteria For Uber Vehicles In Nairobi Kenya, Uber X Frequently Used Vehicle Makes In Kenya, Kenyan UberSELECT Car Standards and Popular Vehicle Models UberSelect Uses in Kenya.

Here is a list of vehicles accepted by uber Kenya. Uber car requirements may seem a little bit tough if you’re new to cars and taxi business. But if you’re are a pro, joining Uber may not be that hard as you think.

Uber Kenya requires that its drivers, as well as cars, meet a certain threshold before they become partners and start doing the taxi business. If you want to be a driver, check out our previous post on how to join Uber as a driver.

Now, back to our subject, What are the minimum requirements your car needs to have before starting a taxi business in Kenya? Here are the requirements.

Uber Cars Requirements in Kenya

For vehicles accepted by uber Kenya, the car must meet the following minimum requirements.

• First of all, you must have a motor registration certificate for your vehicle.
• Next, your car should have clean PSV motor insurance premium.
• The vehicle model year should be 2012 and above.
• The car should be in good condition with no cosmetic damage an free of commercial branding.
• Only 4-door cars accepted. No hatchbacks.
• Your car should pass a vehicle inspection by NTSA with flying colors.

In addition to the above, the following documents are required for car registration with Uber Kenya.

1. An original PSV car insurance certificate.
2. Motor vehicle registration book aka logbook.
3. Partner National ID,
4. Business permit, and lastly
5. The vehicle inspection report.

Vehicles Accepted by Uber Kenya

Uber Kenya offers three categories of rides depending on the budget comfort/luxury and urgency of its clients. These categories are; Uber Chapchap, Uber Boda, and Ube Comfort. For each group, certain types of vehicles are accepted.

Uber CHAPCHAP

The CHAPCHAP model is the latest addition to the list of uber rides. CHAP CHAP is a partnership between Uber Kenya and CMC Motor Holding who import mini Suzuki Altos, a low-cost service vehicle that is fuel-efficient, fast and budget-friendly to its customers.

At first, drivers with high ratings, between 4-6 points, ware the only individuals who qualified to drive the Uber CHAPCHAP under a loan undersigned by Stanbic bank at a cost of Sh 835,000.

This means that the driver has to pay a minimum of Ksh 30,000 per month, after which, he/she will gain full ownership of the car when the loan is repaid in full.

However, small hatchbacks with an engine capacity of 1300cc or less and an 8 year age limit are eligible for uberCHAPCHAP trips.

Popular UberChapChap cars include

1. Daihatsu Boon, Mira, and Daihatsu Move
2. Honda Fit and Honda Jazz
3. Maruti Suzuki Swift
4. Mazda Carol and Mazda Demio
5. Mitsubishi Colt and Mitsubishi Mirage
6. Nissan Leaf and also Nissan March
7. Renault Kwid
8. Suzuki Alto, Splash and Suzuki Swift
9. Toyota Passo, Pixis, Toyota Vitz and Yaris.

Uber cars requirements – Uber Comfort

Uber comfort accepts spacious sedans and stations wagons with an engine capacity above 1300cc and less than or equal to 1800cc.

List of popular cars used by Uber Comfort

• Mazda Axela
• Nissan Tiida/Latio
• Honda Insight, Fit Shuttle,  and lastly, Honda Airwave
• Nissan Wingroad

Toyota cars include;

• Toyota Allion
• Fielder.
• Toyota Wish
• Axio.
• Toyota Isis
• Prius
• And lastly Toyota Belta 1000 and 1300cc

Note: Currently, Uber Kenya accepts all types of vehicles but highly recommends low cost, fuel-efficient cars, which also include Toyota Vitz or 800 -1200cc car models.

Popular vehicle inspection centers

You can take your car once each and every year to one of these vehicle inspection centers.

1. Any Kingsway tyres center near you.
2. AutieXpress Kenya Ltd

Nairobi Additional Criteria For Uber Kenyan Vehicles

Uber X

•  4-door sedan in excellent shape
• A minimum of four passengers should be seated beside the driver.
• air conditioning and operable windows
• No trucks or vans that are full-sized
• No vehicles that have been refurbished or wrecked
• Vehicles built in 2006 or after are eligible to use uberX for driving. 

Uber X Frequently Used Vehicle Makes In Kenya. 

• Mazda – Demio 1300cc
• Nissan – March 2006 and above (fuel-efficient), Note 2006 and above (fuel-efficient)
• Toyota – Vita 2006 and above(fuel efficient), Belta 1000cc, Passo 1000cc, Vitz 1000cc, Belta 1300cc, Passo 1300cc, Porte 1300cc, Reacts 1300cc, Vitz 1300cc
• Mitsubishi – Colt 1300cc
• Nissan – Swift 1300cc
• Suzuki – Swift 2006 and above (fuel-efficient)
• Honda – FIT 2006 and above (fuel-efficient), Insight 2006 and above (fuel-efficient)
• Daihatsu – MIRA 2006 and above (fuel-efficient)

Kenyan UberSELECT car standards

These are more expensive, mid-range luxury sedans. The specifications for Uber-selected cars in Kenya are listed beneath.

• 2008 or later as the vehicle year
• A minimum of four persons should be seated beside the vehicle’s driver.
• air conditioners and operable windows
• No vehicles or vans of a full-size
• No government-owned motor vehicles, taxis, or other cars with markings
• No vehicles that have been refurbished or damaged

Popular Vehicle Models UberSelect Uses in Kenya 

• Mazda – Mazda3
• Nissan – Wingroad, Bluebird, Lafesta
• Toyota – Corona Premio, Corolla, Corolla Axio, Corolla Fielder, 4Runner, Isis, Prius, Wish, Allion, Noah, Premio, Sienna, Voxy
• Subaru – Forester
• Mitsubishi – Lancer

List Of Vehicles Accepted By Uber Kenya – FAQ’s

Which Car Is Most Suitable For Uber?

The Toyota Corolla Quest is a reliable and fuel-efficient sedan that is perfect for Uber drivers. It has a spacious interior that can accommodate up to five passengers, and it is available in a variety of trim levels to fit any budget.

What vehicles are accepted by Uber in Kenya?

Uber in Kenya accepts a variety of vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and vans, as long as they meet the company’s vehicle requirements.

What are the vehicle requirements to drive for Uber in Kenya?

To drive for Uber in Kenya, vehicles must meet certain criteria such as age limits, condition, and specifications for safety and comfort. These requirements typically include factors like vehicle model year, cleanliness, working air conditioning, and functional seat belts.

Can I drive a vehicle with a specific make or model for Uber in Kenya?

 While Uber in Kenya does not specify particular makes or models of vehicles, drivers must ensure that their vehicle meets the company’s general vehicle requirements. This includes factors like vehicle condition, size, and specifications for safety and comfort.

Are there any exceptions to the vehicle requirements for Uber in Kenya?

Uber in Kenya may make exceptions to vehicle requirements in certain cases, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles or specialized vehicles for UberXL or UberSELECT services. However, drivers should consult Uber’s official guidelines and contact support to clarify any exceptions.

Final Words

By providing a diverse range of vehicle options that meet Uber’s standards, drivers can offer passengers reliable and comfortable rides while ensuring their safety and compliance with regulations. This list serves as a guide for potential Uber drivers, helping them choose the right vehicle for their needs and enabling them to join the platform with confidence.