What’s the Cost of Hiring a 14 Seater Van in Nairobi, Kenya?
The cost of hiring a 14-seater van in Nairobi, Kenya, starts from around KES 15,000 to KES 20,000 per day. This price generally includes the services of a professional driver and fuel for travel within Nairobi. The final price depends on the specific rental company, the duration of the hire, and the destination
14 Seater Van Hire in Nairobi: 2025 Costs, Prices & Best Deals
Planning a group trip, corporate event, or airport transfer in Kenya? If you are moving a group of 10 to 14 people, you are likely asking one big question: How much does it cost to hire a 14 seater van in Nairobi?
Navigating transport prices can be tricky. This guide provides a transparent breakdown of 14 seater van hire prices in Kenya, what affects the cost, and insider tips to ensure you get comfortable, NTSA-compliant transport without overpaying.
Why Choose a 14 Seater Van for Nairobi Travel?
For mid-sized groups, a 14-seater van (commonly the Toyota Hiace or “Shark” model) strikes the perfect balance between cost and comfort. It is one of the most practical options for navigating Nairobi’s busy roads while keeping your group together.
A 14 seater van is the ideal choice for:
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Airport Transfers: Seamless pickups from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Nairobi hotels.
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Corporate Travel: Staff transport for conferences, team building, and site visits.
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Group Safaris: Touring Nairobi National Park or heading upcountry.
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Social Events: Weddings, “Ruracios” (dowry ceremonies), and family outings.
Client Feedback: “The 14 seater van was comfortable, clean, and punctual. Our airport pickup was smooth, and the driver was very professional.”
2025 Cost of Hiring a 14 Seater Van in Nairobi
The price of hiring a van varies based on how long you need it and where you are going. Below is the current market average for 2025.
Quick Pricing Breakdown
| Service Type | Duration / Distance | Price Range (KES) |
| Daily Hire (Within Nairobi) | 8–12 Hours | KES 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Airport Transfer | One Way (JKIA – City) | KES 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Out-of-Town Hire | Per Day (Dry*)
Per Day ( Wet) |
KES 13,000 – 18,000
KES 20,000 – 25,000 |
| Weekly Hire | 7 Days | KES 70,000 – 100,000 |
| Monthly Hire | 30 Days | KES 180,000 – 350,000 |
Rates exclude parking, Expressway tolls, and park entrance fees.
Important Note on “Dry” vs. “Wet” Hire:
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Dry Hire: You pay for the vehicle and driver, but fuel is extra. This is common for multi-day safaris.
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Wet Hire: The price includes fuel. This is common for airport transfers and simple point-to-point drops in Nairobi.
- In most cases client covers driver meals & accommodation for all overnight trips. ( To be Discussed )
What Affects the 14 Seater Van Hire Prices in Kenya?
Not all quotes are the same. If you see a price difference between two companies, it is usually due to one of these five factors:
1. Rental Duration
The longer you book, the lower the daily rate.
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Short-term: Higher daily cost.
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Long-term (Weekly/Monthly): Significant discounts are often applied for corporate contracts or NGO projects.
2. The Vehicle Model
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Standard (Toyota HiAce/Shark): The most affordable and common option. Reliable and robust.
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Luxury (Toyota Vellfire/Alphard/Mercedes Sprinter): Expect to pay 20–50% more for reclining seats, AC, and premium suspension.
3. Distance & Fuel Policy
For travel outside Nairobi (e.g., to Naivasha, Mombasa, or Nakuru), companies usually charge a daily rate + fuel, or a flat rate per kilometer (typically KES 100 – 120 per km).
4. Inclusions vs. Exclusions
Always ask what the quote covers. Premium providers include:
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Professional, drivers.
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Passenger liability insurance.
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Drinking water and Wi-Fi (on luxury units).
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Hidden Cost Alert: Ensure driver allowances (food/accommodation) for overnight trips are discussed upfront.
5. Seasonality
Prices spike during peak demand periods:
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High Season: Easter, Christmas (December), and School Holidays.
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Conference Season: March, September, and November often see a shortage of vans in Nairobi due to international conventions.
How to Get the Best Van Rental Deal
Don’t just book the first van you see. Follow these steps to save money and ensure safety.
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Compare 3 Quotes: Prices can vary wildly. Get at least three comparisons to understand the market rate.
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Book Early: Last-minute bookings during December or Fridays can cost 20% more. Aim to book 3–5 days in advance.
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Check NTSA Compliance: Ensure the vehicle has a valid inspection sticker and speed governor. This is vital for safety and police checks.
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Ask for “All-Inclusive” for Short Trips: For airport transfers, ask for a flat rate that covers fuel and parking to avoid haggling at the end of the trip.
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Verify the AC: Nairobi can get hot. Confirm the air conditioning is functional before the driver arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does a 14 seater van cost per day in Nairobi?
Standard daily hire within Nairobi typically ranges between KES 8,000 and KES 12,000, depending on the mileage and hours required.
2. Do the vans come with a driver?
Yes. For insurance and safety reasons, 14-seater vans in Kenya are almost exclusively rented with a professional chauffeur. Self-drive is rarely available for this vehicle class.
3. Is fuel included in the price?
For airport transfers, yes. For daily hire or out-of-town trips, fuel is usually excluded (Dry Hire) or charged based on kilometers covered.
4. Can I hire a van for a safari?
Absolutely. However, for rough terrain (like Masai Mara), ensure you request a 4×4 van or a Tour Van specifically designed for off-road conditions, as standard vans are for tarmac use.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a 14 seater van in Nairobi is the smartest way to move a group efficiently. Whether you need a quick JKIA airport transfer or a week-long corporate tour, the 14-seater offers the best value for money.
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14 seater van hire prices in Kenya
How much does it cost to hire a 14 seater van in Nairobi?
The cost of hiring a 14 seater van in Nairobi is KES 10,000 to KES 20,000 per day depending on the distance,duration. This price typically includes a professional driver but excludes fuel (Dry Hire). For airport transfers from JKIA to Nairobi City Centre, the standard rate is between KSH 8,000 to KSH 12000. Long-term weekly hires generally range from KES 80,000 to KES 200,000.