Hiring a car in Kenya is an option worth considering if you plan to stay in Kenya for a long period. Public transport in Kenya might prove to be a herculean task for a visitor and can often be inconvinient and infrequent. Hiring a car may end up being more economical especially if you want more control of your time and schedule.
If you need a transfer or a car for just a few hours in a city, it might be best if you consider hiring a car with a driver. Self-drive in Nairobi and Mombasa is a challenge especially in town centers because of traffic and the often unruly nature of Kenyan drivers might be too stressful for the uninitiated. Traffic in Nairobi and Mombasa is heavy during peak working hours, school holidays and sometimes public holidays especially leading up to christmas. Orientation is difficult in this cities and sometimes getting parking is difficult and might end up inconviniencing you. Therefore if you are hiring a car for urban use we reccomend you hire a driver.
The requirements for hiring a car are pretty much consistent as with other countries. A drivers license is mandatory and the driver's age between 23 and 70. Identification documents and an upfront payment will often be required by your car hire company. Some companies' may require you pay a deposit to cover insurance excess and other damages that the vehicle may incur during use. This deposit varies but is charged at a percent of the make or class of vehicle that you are hiring.
If you are booking online, it is often advisable that you first do a due diligence check of the company you are hiring from. Most customers have suffered at the hands of criminals and fraudsters and a reputation check will always return you considerable reviews from others who have hired a car in Kenya.
Finally, when picking up a car, always note the damages on the car, inform the company, write them down or if possible take a photo. This will help you incase there is a dispute about damages when you return the car.
We will be glad to help you hire a car and enjoy the experience. Please contact us for more information.