Ride-Hailing Drivers in Kenya Earn Up to Sh147 Billion Annually, TIFA Research Reveals

A recent study by TIFA Research highlights the significant economic impact of ride-hailing services in Kenya, estimating that the sector generates between Sh126 billion and Sh147 billion in annual net earnings for drivers.

Key Findings on Ride-Hailing Drivers

• Between 300,000 and 350,000 drivers are actively engaged on ride-hailing platforms nationwide.
• Drivers earn a gross monthly income ranging from Sh60,000 to Sh90,000 before expenses such as fuel, commissions, and vehicle upkeep.
• After deductions, net monthly earnings for drivers typically fall between Sh25,000 and Sh45,000.
• Approximately 53% of drivers depend on ride-hailing as their main source of income, while 47% use it as a supplementary income stream.
• The sector indirectly supports between 1.2 million and 1.75 million household members, based on average household sizes.
• Women represent a small fraction of the workforce, accounting for just 3% to 5% of drivers.

Usage Patterns and Economic Contributions

The report further reveals that ride-hailing services are used for a variety of purposes including daily commuting, social activities, business travel, shopping, errands, and parcel deliveries.

• Daily commuting and social or leisure trips each constitute 47% of ride-hailing usage.
• Business travel accounts for 36% of trips, while shopping and errands make up 34%.
• The average user takes nearly seven trips per month, with men slightly outpacing women in usage frequency.

Government Regulation and Public Opinion

In response to concerns about drivers’ earnings and operational costs, the Kenyan government has proposed setting minimum fares for ride-hailing services. President William Ruto instructed the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the National Transport and Safety Authority to expedite this regulation.

However, a TIFA survey indicated that 59% of Nairobi residents oppose government intervention in fare setting, preferring market competition to determine prices. Only 27% of respondents were aware of the regulation proposal.

Research Methodology

The survey was conducted in Nairobi County in July 2026, involving 733 respondents aged 18 and above through face-to-face interviews. Participants represented diverse demographics including self-employed, formal and informal workers, students, and unemployed individuals.

These findings underscore the growing importance of ride-hailing platforms as a livelihood source for hundreds of thousands of Kenyans and their households, while highlighting ongoing debates about fair regulation in the sector.