How to Start a Profitable Taxi Business
in Kenya
There has been a high demand for Taxis in Kenya. People do not want the hassles of using public cars due to challenges like noise and it takes time to reach your destination. This guide will help you to start a taxi business in Kenya.
Requirements to Start a Taxi Business in Kenya
To start a taxi business in Kenya, you must meet the following criteria.
- Have a vehicle registration certificate
- Have a vehicle inspection certificate
- Have PSV insurance certificate
- Have operating License
To become a taxi driver, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Pass the driving test
- Have three years driving experience
- Have a clean driving record
- Have a national identity card
- Have a certificate of good conduct
How to Start a Taxi Business
To start a taxi business in Kenya, you can choose to drive a cab or operate the cabs as a manager. Whichever works best for you, there are few things you need to know.
- You need to have a 4-door car that is in good condition. Also, make sure that the car is the latest model.
- Make sure that the car is always clean and neat, both in the interior and exterior.
- Hire qualified and professional drivers and one’s who meet the NTSA requirements.
- Get insurance cover for your taxi can
and also the drivers and passengers
- Have the preferred colors like white black or grey on your car
Factors to Consider When Buying a Taxi Business Car
- Buy a Car with a Small Engine for Taxi BusinessGet
Any business aims to make profits. As such, you need to
buy a car with a small engine that will ensure efficient fuel consumption. It means that you will not need to fuel the vehicle frequently and thereby increasing your profit margins.
- Less Maintenance
You must buy a car that will not need frequent repairs. Make sure to buy a new car or a well maintained second-hand car. M
aintenance costs will be eating away your savings and profits from your business.
- Boot Space
When starting a taxi business, you need to consider the boot space. You want a cab that can carry large luggage and also
get storage space for other essentials like the spare wheel, first aid kits and a car jerk.
- Passenger Space
A good
taxi car needs to have sufficient foot space for your passengers. You do not want a situation where your passengers are not comfortable. Having a foot space will make your passengers enjoy their journey and want to hire you again.
- Five Doors
Cars for Tax should have five doors for easy boarding and alighting of passengers. Cares with high step are not recommended for taxis.
- Model of the Car
Sedan cars are suitable for the taxi business. Most of them should have an engine cc of between 1000 and 1300. The following are some models of the vehicles that are suited for the taxi business
.
- Mazda Demio 1300cc
- Nissan March 2006 model and above
- Nissan Note between 1200cc and 1300cc
- Toyota Belta 1000cc and 1300cc
- Suzuki Swift 2006 model and above
- Honda Fit 2006 model and above
- Honda Insight 2006 model and above
- Toyota Vitz 1000cc and 1300cc
- How to Operate Your Taxi Business
The other thing you need to consider is how to operate your business. For instance, you can opt to partner with Uber or operate the business as a sole proprietorship. If you partner with Uber, you will be getting 75 percent and Uber takes 25 percent of your revenues.
- Advertise and Automate Your busin
ess
The other thing to do is to let people know that you are operating a taxi business. You can advertise it online or through social media platforms. It is good that you automate your taxi business so that before you can book your services online. You can develop an app that will help people to book and pay online. Provide contact details for easy reach
by your customers.