Motoring: Why Suzuki is winning Kenya's taxi market

Suzuki vehicles have steadily taken over Kenya’s taxi and ride-hailing sector, emerging as the brand of choice for thousands of drivers.

From Nairobi to Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru, Suzuki models (Alto, Wagon, and Swift) are now a common sight on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab.

This week, in our Motoring review column, we delve into the intricacies of why most industry players attribute this dominance to a mix of affordability, efficiency, and reliability, and the secret behind the Japanese motor corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka.

Low maintenance costs

To many taxi drivers we interviewed, Suzuki’s biggest strength is its simplicity, since they are built with small engines with straightforward mechanical systems.

This makes them cheaper to service compared to larger or more complex vehicles.

Routine servicing for a Suzuki can cost between Sh5,000 and Sh10,000, depending on the model and service interval.

Spare parts such as brake pads, filters, and suspension components are widely available in local markets and cost significantly less than equivalent parts for many European and even rival Japanese brands.

This reduces downtime and keeps taxis on the road, where they continue to earn money.

Fuel consumption

The fuel economy is where Suzuki truly outperforms most rivals in the taxi segment.

With petrol prices remaining high, consumption figures matter greatly to drivers who are in business.

A well-serviced Suzuki Alto or Swift averages between 18 and 22 kilometres per litre under normal city driving conditions. On highways, some models can stretch beyond 23 kilometres per litre.

This translates to approximately 0.045-0.055 litres per kilometre, making them among the most fuel-efficient petrol vehicles commonly used in Kenya.

A darling to taxi drivers

For a taxi driver covering between 150-200 kilometres a day, this efficiency can mean saving thousands of shillings every month compared to less economical cars.

Solomon Wambua, 43, has been driving a 658cc, 2026/2024 Suzuki Alto. On a busy day, he covers at least 160 km running his online taxi business.

"I use exactly Sh4,927 to fill my 27-litre tank, and with minimal traffic, I can make triple the amount used on fuel from my Bolt and Uber trips," Wambua told The Standard Motoring team.

Affordable buying price

The entry price of Suzuki vehicles has also accelerated their adoption in the taxi business in Kenya.

For example, a brand new Suzuki Alto or Swift costs between Sh1.1 million and Sh1.6 million, depending on the model and trim.

In the used market, ex-Japan imports can be acquired for as low as Sh600,000 to Sh900,000, making them accessible even to drivers with limited capital.

Lower purchase prices also mean reduced loan repayments for drivers who rely on asset financing, improving cash flow from the very first day on the job.

"I have a family car, which is a 2.8 litre SUV, and since I live in Machakos County and work in Westlands, commuting a total of 67km a day dictates using a vehicle with low maintenance costs and excellent fuel economy, I went for the Suzuki Swift," said Arnold Muriuki.

Reliability has also played a key role. Suzuki vehicles are generally cheaper to purchase compared to rival brands in the same segment.

After being declared redundant in late 2024, Solomon Jarieh entered the taxi business and explains where he went for the Suzuki Swift. "I am a first-time owner of the vehicle, and I relied heavily on the cash I was paid at my previous workplace to buy the car, although on hire-purchase arrangements," he told The Standard.

Cheap doesn't necessarily mean expensive, considering that the brand also attracts a lower insurance premium, further reducing overall costs.

Maintenance and spare parts availability have strengthened the brand’s appeal.

Suzuki vehicles also have simple mechanical designs, and spare parts are widely available in Kenya at relatively low prices. This ensures minimal downtime when vehicles require servicing or repairs, a critical factor in the taxi business where time off the road means lost income.

Taxi-hailing restrictions

It is key to note that taxi-hailing companies have also influenced Suzuki’s popularity in major towns in Kenya.

Many platforms like Bolt and Little Cab set strict requirements on engine capacity, fuel efficiency, and running costs. The Suzuki models comfortably meet these criteria, making them easy to approve for commercial use.

Durability aspect

Durability on Kenyan roads has further cemented the brand’s position. Despite their compact size, Suzuki cars have proven resilient on both urban roads and rougher routes in semi-urban areas, earning the trust of drivers who depend on their vehicles daily.

As economic pressures continue to shape transport choices, Suzuki’s blend of low costs, reliability, and efficiency has positioned the brand at the centre of Kenya’s taxi industry.