Ride-hailing services have become a major part of urban transport in Kenya, allowing passengers to request a vehicle through a mobile app or other digital platform.

But app-based transport is not an informal arrangement between a driver and passenger. Kenya has specific regulations governing the companies operating the platforms, the vehicles used, drivers and passengers.

This Metros Kenya guide explains the main ride-hailing laws in Kenya and what they mean for commuters and drivers.

For the wider legal framework covering matatus, boda bodas, taxis and other passenger services, see Public Transport Laws in Kenya: Commuter Rights, Rules and Regulations.

What Is a Transport Network Company?

Kenyan law refers to companies providing app-based passenger transport as transport network companies.

Under the National Transport and Safety Authority (Transport Network Companies, Owners, Drivers and Passengers) Regulations, 2022, a transport network company connects passengers with drivers through a digital platform.

The definition distinguishes these services from conventional street-hailing taxis and other transport arranged outside a transport network platform.

For the broader rules applying to taxis and private-hire transport, read Taxi Laws in Kenya: Driver, Vehicle and Passenger Rules.

Do Ride-Hailing Companies Need a Licence in Kenya?

Yes.

A company cannot legally provide transport network services simply by operating an app connecting passengers and drivers.

The 2022 regulations require transport network companies to obtain a licence from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Applicants must satisfy regulatory requirements including incorporation or registration in Kenya, tax compliance and maintaining a registered office in the country.

The regulations therefore place responsibility not only on individual drivers but also on the companies providing the digital platforms.

What Does a Ride-Hailing Driver Need?

A driver must meet specific requirements before being authorised to provide transport network services.

Under Regulation 20, a transport network driver must have:

• A valid driving licence with the relevant driver endorsement issued by NTSA.
• A valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge.

The driver must therefore meet commercial passenger-transport requirements rather than relying solely on an ordinary driving licence.

The wider licensing system for commercial passenger transport is explained in PSV Licensing in Kenya: Requirements for Matatus and Buses.

What Vehicles Can Be Used for Ride-Hailing?

The 2022 regulations also establish requirements for vehicles used to provide transport network services.

Before being used for ride-hailing, a vehicle must have:

• Valid vehicle insurance.
• A valid certificate of roadworthiness.
• An age of not more than 16 years from the date of manufacture.

The vehicle must also be maintained in a condition that ensures its safe operation and the safety of passengers.

In addition, transport network vehicles must be equipped with a hands-free accessory for mobile devices.

These requirements are particularly important because ride-hailing drivers depend heavily on smartphones for navigation, passenger requests and communication.

Does a Ride-Hailing Vehicle Need Identification?

Yes.

A transport network driver must display an NTSA-approved sticker or identification mark conspicuously on the vehicle while providing transport network services.

This requirement helps distinguish a vehicle operating commercially through a transport network platform from an ordinary private vehicle.

Passengers should therefore be able to identify the vehicle providing the booked service.

Must Ride-Hailing Passengers Receive a Receipt?

Yes.

The regulations require transport network drivers to ensure passengers are issued with a ticket or receipt for the fare paid.

Digital platforms commonly generate electronic trip records and receipts, but the legal principle remains important: there should be a record of the fare paid for the journey.

Passengers should retain trip information where possible, particularly where there is a dispute concerning a fare, driver or journey.

How Must Drivers Treat Passengers?

Ride-hailing drivers are required to treat passengers courteously.

The regulations also impose other conduct requirements on drivers, including rules concerning excessive music and the condition and decoration of vehicles.

Drivers must also report accidents involving transport network vehicles to the relevant authorities.

Passenger treatment is therefore part of the regulatory framework rather than simply a matter of customer service.

For comparison with Kenya’s largest road-based public transport sector, see Matatu Passenger Rights in Kenya: What the Law Says.

Can Anyone Use Their Private Car for Ride-Hailing?

Owning a private vehicle does not by itself mean a person can immediately begin carrying passengers commercially through a transport network platform.

Both the driver and vehicle must meet the applicable requirements.

The driver needs the required licence endorsement and PSV badge, while the vehicle must satisfy requirements including insurance, roadworthiness and the prescribed vehicle-age limit.

The driver must also be authorised by a licensed transport network company.

What If the Driver Does Not Own the Vehicle?

Kenyan regulations recognise that the owner of a transport network vehicle and the person driving it may be different people.

Where this happens, the vehicle owner must maintain the driver’s licence details for at least one year.

The owner and driver must also enter into a written agreement describing the nature of their relationship.

This creates a formal record of the arrangement between the person who owns the vehicle and the person using it to provide passenger transport.

What Responsibilities Do Passengers Have?

Passengers using ride-hailing services also have responsibilities.

They should provide accurate pickup and destination information, comply with reasonable safety requirements and avoid behaviour that could interfere with safe operation of the vehicle.

Passengers should also verify that the vehicle and driver collecting them correspond with the information supplied through the platform.

As with other forms of commercial passenger transport, the relationship between the driver and passenger does not override Kenya’s general traffic and criminal laws.

Who Regulates Ride-Hailing Services in Kenya?

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is the main national regulator responsible for transport network services.

NTSA regulates road transport and performs functions including vehicle registration, vehicle inspection and certification, driver licensing and regulation of public service vehicles.

The specific framework for app-based passenger services is established through the National Transport and Safety Authority (Transport Network Companies, Owners, Drivers and Passengers) Regulations, 2022.

Ride-Hailing Is Part of Kenya’s Regulated Transport System

Using an app to request a vehicle does not place the journey outside Kenya’s public transport laws.

Transport network companies must be licensed, drivers must meet prescribed requirements and vehicles must satisfy insurance, roadworthiness and safety standards.

Passengers also have responsibilities when using these services.

As technology continues to change how Kenyans move around cities and towns, understanding these rules can help commuters distinguish between a properly regulated ride-hailing service and an informal passenger-transport arrangement.

For more guides covering passenger transport regulation, start with Public Transport Laws in Kenya: Commuter Rights, Rules and Regulations or read Matatu Laws in Kenya: Rules Every Commuter Should Know.

This article provides general public information about Kenyan transport law and should not be treated as individual legal advice.