Automotive trades and services
Kenya has millions of vehicles and motorbikes, and they all need maintenance, parts and services. Skilled automotive workers increasingly find customers through Google Maps, WhatsApp, TikTok repair videos and Facebook groups.
What these methods share
- Training: TVET courses and apprenticeships build real skills; certifications add trust.
- Genuine parts and honest quotes build long-term customers.
- Online presence: a Google Business Profile, before/after videos and reviews bring customers (Google Business).
- Safety and law: tools, chemicals and road safety; vehicle modifications must stay legal.
431. Auto electrician
What it is: Diagnosing and repairing vehicle electrical systems: wiring, lights, starters, alternators, sensors. How it works: Workshop or mobile call-outs with diagnostic tools.
| Skills | Automotive electrical training, diagnostics |
| Cost & equipment | Multimeter, diagnostic scanner, tools |
| Where to find work | Car owners, garages, fleets, matatu operators |
| Payment | Per job |
| Realistic earnings | Low–medium to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks (after training) |
How to start: Train at a TVET; apprentice with an experienced auto electrician. Pros: Modern cars need electrical specialists. Cons & risks: Keeping up with new technology. Scam warning: Never tamper with odometers or emissions systems illegally. Kenya notes: Hybrid and imported cars bring demand for diagnostic skills.
432. Panel beating and spray painting
What it is: Repairing body damage and repainting vehicles. How it works: Workshop jobs, insurance-assessed repairs.
| Skills | Bodywork, painting, colour matching |
| Cost & equipment | Workshop, compressor, spray booth (ideal) |
| Where to find work | Car owners, insurers' approved garages, fleets |
| Payment | Per job or insurance payments |
| Realistic earnings | Low–medium to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Apprentice; seek insurer approval when established. Pros: Accidents create steady demand. Cons & risks: Paint fumes; environmental rules. Scam warning: Don't inflate insurance claims. Kenya notes: Follow environmental rules for paint waste.
433. Tyre services and wheel alignment
What it is: Selling and fitting tyres, puncture repair, balancing and alignment. How it works: Roadside or shop-based services.
| Skills | Tyre fitting, alignment equipment operation |
| Cost & equipment | Tools, compressor; alignment machine for advanced services |
| Where to find work | Motorists, boda boda riders, fleets |
| Payment | Per service |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Days |
How to start: Start with puncture repair; expand to tyre sales. Pros: Constant demand. Cons & risks: Roadside safety. Scam warning: Don't sell worn tyres as new. Kenya notes: Boda boda tyre services are a huge market.
434. Motorbike repair and servicing
What it is: Repairing and servicing motorbikes. How it works: Roadside or workshop.
| Skills | Motorbike mechanics |
| Cost & equipment | Tools, spare parts |
| Where to find work | Boda boda riders, delivery riders |
| Payment | Per job |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Days |
How to start: Apprentice; locate near boda stages. Pros: Huge market. Cons & risks: Price competition. Scam warning: Use genuine parts; fake parts cause accidents. Kenya notes: Electric motorbikes are growing; learn their systems.
435. Electric vehicle and e-bike servicing
What it is: Servicing electric motorbikes, e-bikes and EV components. How it works: Specialist training and diagnostics.
| Skills | EV electrical training, battery safety |
| Cost & equipment | Specialist tools |
| Where to find work | E-mobility companies, riders, fleets |
| Payment | Per job or employment |
| Realistic earnings | Low–medium to medium |
| Time to first income | Months (training) |
How to start: Seek training from e-mobility companies or TVET programmes. Pros: Future-proof skill. Cons & risks: High-voltage safety. Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: Electric motorbikes are spreading in Nairobi and other towns.
436. Car tracking and security installation
What it is: Installing GPS trackers, immobilisers and alarms. How it works: Agent for tracking companies or independent installer.
| Skills | Auto electrical, device configuration |
| Cost & equipment | Tools, devices |
| Where to find work | Car owners, fleets, car hire businesses, insurers' requirements |
| Payment | Installation fees, commissions |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Partner with licensed tracking providers. Pros: Insurers often require tracking. Cons & risks: Wiring liability. Scam warning: Never install trackers on vehicles without the owner's consent. Kenya notes: Car hire and logistics firms require trackers.
437. Car audio, accessories and tinting
What it is: Installing sound systems, screens, cameras and window tints. How it works: Shop or mobile service.
| Skills | Installation, wiring |
| Cost & equipment | Tools, stock |
| Where to find work | Car owners, matatu owners |
| Payment | Per job |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Days |
How to start: Showcase installations on TikTok. Pros: Popular upgrades. Cons & risks: Legal limits on tints and modifications. Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: Follow NTSA rules on window tints and PSV modifications.
438. Spare parts reselling online
What it is: Selling car and motorbike parts via WhatsApp, Facebook and websites. How it works: Source from importers and wholesalers → list → deliver.
| Skills | Parts knowledge, customer service |
| Cost & equipment | Capital, stock |
| Where to find work | Mechanics, car owners, groups |
| Payment | M-Pesa |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Days |
How to start: Specialise in popular models; sell genuine parts with clear labels. Pros: High demand. Cons & risks: Counterfeits. Scam warning: Never sell stolen parts. Kenya notes: Clearly label genuine vs aftermarket parts.
439. Car upholstery and interior detailing
What it is: Re-covering seats, interior repairs and deep cleaning. How it works: Workshop or mobile.
| Skills | Upholstery skills |
| Cost & equipment | Sewing machine, materials |
| Where to find work | Car owners, matatu owners, hotels (furniture) |
| Payment | Per job |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Days |
How to start: Before/after content online. Pros: Visible results. Cons & risks: Material costs. Scam warning: As above. Kenya notes: Matatu interiors are a niche market.
440. Towing and roadside assistance
What it is: Towing broken-down vehicles and roadside help. How it works: Calls from motorists and insurers.
| Skills | Driving, vehicle handling |
| Cost & equipment | Tow truck (significant investment) |
| Where to find work | Motorists, insurers, police (impounded vehicles), garages |
| Payment | Per tow |
| Realistic earnings | Medium |
| Time to first income | Months |
How to start: Partner with insurers and garages. Pros: Steady demand. Cons & risks: Capital and safety. Scam warning: Fake towing calls targeting stranded motorists. Kenya notes: Insurers contract roadside assistance providers.
441. Vehicle import facilitation (licensed clearing agents)
What it is: Helping people import vehicles: sourcing, shipping, clearing. How it works: Licensed clearing and forwarding processes.
| Skills | Customs procedures, licensing |
| Cost & equipment | Licences |
| Where to find work | Buyers, dealers |
| Payment | Fees |
| Realistic earnings | Medium |
| Time to first income | Months |
How to start: Work with licensed clearing firms. Pros: Steady demand. Cons & risks: Regulatory compliance. Scam warning: Fake car importers taking deposits; verify licences and company history. Kenya notes: Vehicle age limits and KRA customs rules apply.
442. Used car dealing and brokerage
What it is: Buying and selling used cars or connecting sellers and buyers. How it works: Online listings, inspections, transfers.
| Skills | Car valuation, negotiation, paperwork |
| Cost & equipment | Capital (dealing) or none (brokerage) |
| Where to find work | Online marketplaces, networks |
| Payment | Margins or commissions |
| Realistic earnings | Low to high |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Learn ownership verification and NTSA transfers. Pros: High value per deal. Cons & risks: Fraud risks. Scam warning: Verify logbooks and ownership through official systems. Kenya notes: Ownership transfers go through NTSA's online system.
443. Pre-purchase car inspection services
What it is: Inspecting used cars for buyers before purchase. How it works: Inspection checklist, diagnostics, report.
| Skills | Mechanical expertise, diagnostics |
| Cost & equipment | Scanner, tools |
| Where to find work | Car buyers, diaspora buyers |
| Payment | Per inspection |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Days |
How to start: Offer independent, written reports. Pros: Builds trust. Cons & risks: Liability for missed faults. Scam warning: Stay independent from sellers. Kenya notes: Diaspora buyers often need trusted inspectors.
444. Car valuation services (licensed valuers)
What it is: Valuing vehicles for insurance, loans and sales. How it works: Licensed assessors provide reports.
| Skills | Valuation qualifications |
| Cost & equipment | Tools |
| Where to find work | Insurers, banks, individuals |
| Payment | Per valuation |
| Realistic earnings | Medium |
| Time to first income | Months |
How to start: Obtain required qualifications and approvals. Pros: Steady professional demand. Cons & risks: Accountability. Scam warning: Never inflate valuations. Kenya notes: Insurers and banks use approved valuers.
445. Battery and lubricants retail
What it is: Selling car batteries, oils and lubricants with fitting services. How it works: Shop or mobile service.
| Skills | Product knowledge |
| Cost & equipment | Stock |
| Where to find work | Motorists, garages |
| Payment | Per sale |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Days |
How to start: Partner with reputable suppliers. Pros: Steady demand. Cons & risks: Counterfeit oils. Scam warning: Avoid fake lubricants. Kenya notes: Dispose of used oil and batteries properly.
Summary
- Automotive methods include auto electrics, panel beating, tyres, motorbike and EV servicing, tracking, accessories, parts reselling, upholstery, towing, import facilitation, used car dealing, inspections, valuation and battery/lubricant retail.
- Train properly, use genuine parts, follow NTSA and customs rules, and market with real before/after content.
Check yourself
Through which authority's system are vehicle ownership transfers done? (abbreviation)
Show answer
NTSA
Should you install a tracker on a car without the owner's consent? (yes or no)
Show answer
no
Is selling worn tyres as new acceptable? (yes or no)
Show answer
no