Kenya’s vehicle market has entered a new pricing era, with the average vehicle listing price rising to KSh1.37 million in 2026 from about KSh797,000 in 2024, according to data released by online marketplace Jiji Kenya.
The findings point to a shift in the country’s automotive market as consumers contend with higher vehicle prices while placing greater emphasis on value, affordability and informed purchasing decisions.
Despite the rise in average prices, about half of all vehicle listings on Jiji remain below KSh2 million, indicating buyers continue to have access to a broad range of vehicles across different price categories.
The company said buyers are increasingly using digital marketplaces to compare prices, vehicle models and locations before making purchases, enabling them to connect directly with sellers and make more informed decisions.
Growing interest in vehicle ownership and maintenance through social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, has also contributed to more research-driven purchasing behaviour, Jiji said.
Higher operating costs are further shaping consumer preferences. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) set Nairobi’s maximum retail fuel prices in June 2026 at KSh214.03 per litre for petrol and KSh222.86 per litre for diesel, prompting buyers to pay closer attention to fuel economy and long-term ownership costs.
The market has also been influenced by changes to vehicle import taxation. In July 2025, the Kenya Revenue Authority introduced a revised Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule used to calculate the customs value of imported used vehicles.
Jiji said the median listing price for locally used vehicles has risen from just below KSh1 million to slightly above that level, reinforcing KSh1 million as a new benchmark for Kenya’s used vehicle market.
Foreign-used vehicles listed on the platform carry an average asking price of about KSh4.5 million, compared with around KSh1.5 million for locally used vehicles. Across all listings, the average asking price stands at approximately KSh2.5 million.
The Toyota Prado remains the most frequently listed model on Jiji, accounting for just over 5% of all vehicle listings, underscoring its continued popularity among Kenyan motorists.
The company attributed the growing use of online vehicle marketplaces to Kenya’s expanding mobile connectivity. According to the Communications Authority of Kenya, mobile subscriptions reached 84.1 million by March 2026, representing a mobile penetration rate of 157.7%.
“Vehicle ownership remains deeply embedded in Kenya’s economic and social aspirations,” Jiji Africa Chief Operating Officer Maxim Makarchuk said.
He added that “As the market matures, the opportunity doesn’t just stop at selling more vehicles, but making the entire ecosystem more efficient by improving how people discover, evaluate, exchange and ultimately unlock value from vehicles.”
He said digital marketplaces were improving transparency and market efficiency by giving buyers greater access to information, wider choice and direct connections with sellers.
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