Buying a car in Kenya has always been a big deal. Whether it’s a first-time buyer looking for a reliable Uba to hustle with or a family upgrading to a family car, affordability and convenience are top priorities. In the past, this meant hopping from one dealership to another, dealing with brokers, and navigating price markups. But things are changing fast. Thanks to online marketplaces, more Kenyans are saving time and money while finding the right car.
Why online marketplaces are taking over
The internet has transformed how we do business in Kenya, and the car market is no exception. GSMA Intelligence data indicates that Kenya had 66.04 million cellular mobile connections at the beginning of 2024. With smartphone penetration growing every year and mobile money-making transactions seamless, platforms like Jiji, CarBazaar, and Autotrader are changing how people buy and sell cars. From second-hand imports to locally used vehicles, everything is just a search away.
Online marketplaces give buyers access to hundreds of listings, allowing them to compare prices, features, and even negotiate directly with sellers. Unlike traditional car bazaars, where brokers inflate prices, buyers can get better deals by cutting out the middlemen. The competition among sellers also works in favour of buyers, pushing prices down and making vehicles more affordable.
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For those who want gari safi, these platforms also list vehicles from verified dealers, ensuring that buyers get well-maintained cars without the risk of being scammed. Plus, Kenyans love a good bargain, and online platforms make it easier to negotiate and land the best deal.
Where Kenyans are buying their cars online
Jiji stands out as a leading car marketplace in Kenya, offering thousands of listings, direct buyer-seller interactions, and advanced search filters for easy browsing. Whether someone is looking for a budget-friendly Toyota Passo or a premium Land Cruiser, chances are they’ll find it there. To ensure all buyers and sellers can easily determine a fair market price for any car, they offer free online car valuation service. The convenience of scrolling through listings and getting instant valuations from anywhere — at work, in traffic, or chilling at home, makes online marketplaces the go-to platform for many Kenyans looking to buy or sell cars.
Is the shift to online buying here to stay?
The numbers tell the story. Kenya’s e-commerce industry is booming, and more people are getting comfortable making big purchases online. In 2024, International Trade Administration projected that:
“Revenue in the e-commerce market in Kenya is projected to reach $900m in 2024, with the number of users expected to reach 12.26 million.”
Additionally, according to the World Bank, digital payment usage rates are as high as 95-98% of account owners in economies such as Kenya and South Africa. With car financing options expanding and digital payments becoming the norm, it’s only a matter of time before even more Kenyans ditch the old-school physical visits to car yards and embrace online car shopping.
Of course, buyers still need to be cautious. Scammers exist, and deals that seem too good to be true often are. Before making any payments, it’s always wise to meet the seller, inspect the car in person, and verify logbooks. But with a little due diligence, Kenyans can take full advantage of the convenience and savings that online marketplaces offer.
The bottom line
For many Kenyans, buying a car is no longer about walking around car yards all weekend. With a smartphone and a bit of patience, finding the perfect ride is now as easy as browsing through an app. Online marketplaces are changing the game, making car ownership more accessible, transparent, and affordable.
