Nairobi has the most cars for sale in Kenya, from showrooms on Ngong Road and Mombasa Road to private sellers across the city. Compare asking prices before you go, view the car in daylight with a mechanic, search it on the NTSA portal, and pay only once the logbook transfer is under way.
Where to find cars in Nairobi
- Online listings, where you can compare many cars and prices before you travel. Most cars on gari_me are in Nairobi.
- Dealer showrooms, which hold stock you can see the same day and often arrange financing.
- Private sellers, who are often cheaper but need more careful checks.
- Importers, if you would rather order a specific car from Japan, the UK or the UAE.
What cars cost in Nairobi
Prices in Nairobi are close to the national picture, since most of Kenya’s stock is here. Our car prices page shows the usual asking price by model, year and town, updated through the day, so you can tell a fair price from a high one before you call.
Viewing a car safely
- Meet in daylight at a busy public place or the seller’s business premises.
- Take someone with you, and tell another person where you are going.
- Do not carry cash to a viewing.
- Bring a mechanic, or book an independent inspection before you agree a price.
Checks before you pay
- Search the registration on the NTSA portal and confirm the owner’s name matches the seller’s ID.
- Check the chassis and engine numbers on the car against the logbook.
- Ask whether there is a loan or caveat on the car.
- Run through a test drive and our inspection checklist.
Paying and transferring ownership
Agree the price in writing, then start the transfer on the NTSA portal with the seller. Pay by bank transfer or banker’s cheque rather than cash, and release the money once the transfer request is in place. Our logbook transfer guide walks through each step.
Common questions
- Where is the best place to buy a car in Nairobi?
- Start online so you can compare prices across many sellers, then view your shortlist in person. Dealers are faster and often offer financing; private sellers can be cheaper but need more checks.
- Are cars cheaper in Nairobi or Mombasa?
- Freshly imported cars land in Mombasa, so some are cheaper there before transport. Nairobi has far more choice. Compare the usual prices by town on our car prices page.
- How do I avoid being conned when buying a car in Nairobi?
- Never pay before seeing the car and its logbook, search it on the NTSA portal, meet in a safe place, and avoid deals that rush you or ask for a deposit to hold the car.
Read next: Cars for sale in Nairobi · Car prices in Kenya · Logbook transfer in Kenya · How to spot a stolen car