Launching a Taxi App in Kenya? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

If you are searching to build a ride-hailing or taxi booking app in Kenya, you are likely asking the same questions many business owners ask us:

• How much does it cost to build a taxi app in Kenya?
• Can the app integrate with M-PESA?
• Will I get access to the source code?
• Is there a way to start without paying the full amount upfront?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything based on real conversations we’ve had with businesses just like yours. If you are a local startup, a transport company, or a group of directors ready to digitize your taxi network—this guide is for you.

✅ How Much Does It Cost to Create a Taxi App in Kenya?

A basic white-label taxi app (with rider, driver, and admin features) costs at least $5,000 to start. This includes:

• Android & iOS apps for riders and drivers
• Admin dashboard for managing trips, users, and payments
• Multi-language support (English, Swahili)
• Stripe integration for international card payments
• 2-month free maintenance after launch
• Full source code ownership

👉 Bonus: If you’re looking for a Bolt or Uber-style app with your own branding, this is a solid starting point.

💸 Is There a Flexible Payment Plan?

Yes! We understand that startups may not always be able to pay the full amount upfront. That’s why we offer a flexible payment model:

• $500 setup fee to start the project
• $100/month + 5% of transaction value (includes server & support)
• Optional: Purchase full source code anytime for $5,000

This model allows you to launch faster and shift to full ownership once you’re ready.

📱 Want M-PESA Integration? Here’s How It Works

M-PESA: Kenya’s Go-To Platform for Digital Payments. We help you integrate it directly into your app.

There are two options:

1- We handle it for you: Our team can integrate the M-PESA API securely and ensure STK Push, transaction logs, and IPN notifications are working.

• Estimated development cost: USD 1,800
• Time: 1 additional week

2- Your team does it: If you have an in-house development team, we can guide them step-by-step with access to documentation and code integration support.

✅ Note: M-PESA integration includes backend logic, front-end UI for payments, testing, and secure data handling.

🔓 Will I Get the Source Code?

You will receive complete source code if you go with the standard model ($5,000).

However, if you start with the flexible payment plan, the source code is not shared upfront. You can purchase it later when you’re ready to move to full ownership.

🔧 What Should My IT Team Be Ready With?

If your development team will be involved, especially in M-PESA or custom feature development, here are the must-haves:

• Knowledge of M-PESA Daraja API or similar
• Understanding of Android/iOS SDKs for push-based payment flows
• Familiarity with backend frameworks (Node.js, Laravel, etc.)
• Ability to handle SSL, IPN callbacks, and secure storage of transaction data

We’ll guide your team during onboarding and support M-PESA integration if needed.

📅 What Is the Development Timeline?

The complete app can be launched in 4 weeks, assuming:

• UI/UX designs are approved in the first week
• Development + integration in weeks 2–3
• Testing and deployment in week 4

If M-PESA is added, allow one extra week.

🤝 Real Clients. Real Progress.

Our recent conversation inspired this blog with our real client, a Kenya-based company with directors in the US and Kenya. They were looking for:

• M-PESA + card payments
• Flexible payment options
• Multi-language support
• Smooth collaboration across time zones

They started with a $500 setup and are now building a nationwide ride-hailing platform powered by our white-label solution.

Also read- Taxi App Development in Africa: Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Ready to Build Your Own Taxi App?

If you’re a:

• Startup founder in Kenya
• Taxi operator looking to go digital
• An entrepreneur targeting Swahili-speaking regions
• Investor in African tech mobility

…our team can help you get to market fast.

👉 Schedule a free consultation or Contact Us to get started.