How to Hire a Car at Eldoret Airport: A Practical Guide

Arriving at Eldoret International Airport (EDL) and planning to travel by road? This guide explains what to prepare before collecting a rental vehicle, how airport collection works, what documents may be required, and the important rental terms to confirm before your journey.

Whether you are visiting Eldoret for business, returning to Kenya, travelling with family or continuing to another destination, preparing these details in advance can make the collection process much easier.

1. Plan Your Journey Before Arriving

Before arranging a rental vehicle, work out where you will travel, how many people will be travelling and how much luggage you will have.

Your requirements may be different if you are:

• Staying within Eldoret
• Travelling between Eldoret and Iten
• Continuing to Kitale, Kakamega or Kisumu
• Travelling to Nairobi
• Visiting several destinations in Kenya
• Travelling with children or several suitcases
• Attending business meetings or an event
• Continuing directly from the airport after landing

Knowing your itinerary helps the rental company recommend a suitable vehicle and clarify the applicable rental conditions before collection.

For longer journeys, also consider the expected road conditions, luggage capacity, passenger comfort and whether you prefer to drive yourself or travel with a professional driver.

2. Self-Drive: Information to Confirm Before Booking

Self-drive rental gives you control over your schedule and route. It can be useful when you plan to make several stops or remain in Kenya for several days.

Before collecting a self-drive vehicle, confirm:

• The accepted identification documents
• Driving licence requirements
• Security deposit
• Rental period
• Mileage conditions
• Fuel policy
• Insurance arrangements
• Collection and return location
• Permitted travel areas
• Any additional charges

International visitors should confirm in advance whether their home-country driving licence is accepted and whether an International Driving Permit or other documentation is required for their circumstances.

Do not assume that every rental company has identical requirements. Confirm the exact conditions for your booking before travelling.

For self-drive requirements and available service information, see our self-drive car hire service .

3. Chauffeur: Questions to Ask Before Booking

A chauffeur can be useful if you do not want to drive after a flight, are unfamiliar with the area, have a busy itinerary or need transportation for business or group travel.

A driver may also be practical when your journey involves several towns or when you need transport throughout the day rather than simply a one-way airport journey.

Before confirming a chauffeur booking, ask whether the quoted amount includes:

• Driver
• Fuel
• Waiting time
• Parking
• Overnight accommodation where applicable
• Additional destinations or stops
• Extra hours
• One-way travel
• Airport charges, if applicable

The final arrangement should be confirmed in writing so that you know exactly what is included.

For chauffeur arrangements, see our chauffeur-driven car hire service .

4. Prepare Your Travel and Identification Details

Have the important information ready before contacting the rental company.

For airport collection, normally provide:

• Your name
• Telephone or WhatsApp number
• Arrival date
• Flight number
• Expected arrival time
• Number of passengers
• Number of suitcases
• Destination after leaving the airport
• Preferred vehicle category
• Self-drive or chauffeur requirement
• Expected rental duration
• Return date and location, if applicable

Providing complete information allows the company to confirm whether the vehicle and collection arrangement are suitable for your journey.

5. Confirm the Rental Requirements Before Payment

Rental requirements can differ according to the vehicle and service.

Identification

Confirm whether you need a national identity card, passport or other accepted identification.

Driving Licence

Confirm which driving licence documents are accepted for your circumstances.

Security Deposit

Ask how much the refundable deposit is, how it must be paid and when it will be released after the vehicle is returned.

Rental Agreement

Make sure the booking information and important rental conditions are documented before collection.

Insurance

Ask what insurance cover applies to the vehicle and what excess or deductible you would be responsible for in the event of damage or an accident.

Do not rely on assumptions about insurance simply because a vehicle is described as insured. Ask what the actual cover includes and what exclusions apply.

6. Understand the Fuel Policy

Fuel arrangements should be confirmed before you collect the vehicle.

If that is the agreed arrangement for your rental, check the fuel level during the handover and keep the relevant receipt when refuelling.

For chauffeur-driven services, fuel may be excluded from the daily driver rate unless specifically agreed otherwise.

Always ask:

• Is fuel included?
• Who pays for fuel?
• Is the vehicle supplied with a full tank?
• Must it be returned full?
• Is there a fuel charge if the vehicle is returned with less fuel?

Getting this information before travelling prevents unnecessary disagreements later.

7. Confirm the Vehicle Collection Arrangements

If you are collecting a vehicle after landing at Eldoret International Airport, confirm the meeting arrangements before your flight.

Ask:

• Where will I meet the representative?
• Who will contact me after landing?
• What telephone number should I use?
• Where will the vehicle be handed over?
• What happens if my flight is delayed?
• Is airport pickup included in my booking?
• What happens if I arrive outside the agreed time?

Keep the company's contact number accessible on your phone.

If your flight schedule changes, notify the rental company as soon as possible.

Providing the flight number in advance is particularly useful for airport bookings because it allows the collection arrangements to be coordinated around the expected arrival time.

8. Inspect the Vehicle Before Driving Away

Do not rush through the handover.

Walk around the vehicle with the representative and check its condition before accepting it.

Look at:

• Front and rear bumpers
• Doors and mirrors
• Windscreen and windows
• Wheels and tyres
• Lights
• Interior
• Seats
• Dashboard
• Existing scratches or dents
• Fuel level
• Odometer reading

If the company uses a vehicle inspection form, make sure existing damage is recorded before you leave.

Take photographs or video of the vehicle at collection where appropriate, particularly if there are visible marks or damage.

Keep a copy of any important handover documentation.

9. Check What You Are Responsible For

Before starting the journey, make sure you understand your responsibilities under the rental agreement.

These may include:

• Returning the vehicle on time
• Returning it to the agreed location
• Maintaining the agreed fuel level
• Taking reasonable care of the vehicle
• Reporting accidents or damage promptly
• Following Kenyan traffic laws
• Not allowing unauthorised drivers to use the vehicle
• Staying within any agreed travel restrictions

If you intend to travel outside the normal area of use, ask for permission before starting the journey.

This is particularly important for long-distance travel, cross-border journeys and routes involving different countries.

10. Ask About the Security Deposit

A security deposit is commonly used to cover potential obligations under a rental agreement.

Before paying it, confirm:

• The deposit amount
• Accepted payment method
• When the deposit is collected
• Conditions for deductions
• When it will be released
• Whether any bank processing time applies

Ask for the deposit terms in writing.

The deposit should not be confused with the rental price. They serve different purposes.

11. Understand Insurance and Excess

Insurance terminology can be confusing, so ask direct questions before accepting the vehicle.

Confirm:

• What insurance cover applies?
• What is the excess?
• What damage is excluded?
• Are tyres covered?
• Are windscreens covered?
• Is theft covered?
• What happens after an accident?
• Who should be contacted in an emergency?

The exact insurance terms depend on the vehicle, rental agreement and applicable policy.

If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before driving the vehicle.

12. What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed

Flight delays happen, so provide your flight number when making an airport collection booking.

If your arrival time changes substantially, contact the rental company and provide the updated information.

Ask in advance how delayed arrivals are handled and whether any additional waiting or after-hours charges could apply.

Do not assume that a delayed flight automatically changes every part of the booking agreement.

13. Returning the Vehicle

Before returning the vehicle, confirm:

• Return date and time
• Return location
• Fuel requirement
• Vehicle condition
• Key handover procedure
• Final inspection
• Security-deposit procedure

If the vehicle must be returned with a full tank, refuel before the agreed return time.

At handover, record the condition of the vehicle and keep any return confirmation provided by the rental company.

If you are returning the vehicle somewhere different from the collection point, confirm the one-way arrangement before the rental starts.

14. Airport Transfer or Full-Day Rental?

You do not always need a rental vehicle for your entire stay.

If you only need transportation from Eldoret International Airport to your hotel, home, office or another destination, a private airport transfer may be more practical.

A full-day vehicle may make more sense if you need:

• Multiple stops
• Several appointments
• Transportation throughout the day
• Travel between different towns
• A vehicle for several days
• Independent self-drive travel

Decide based on your actual itinerary rather than simply choosing the cheapest-looking option.

For airport transfer arrangements, see our Eldoret Airport transfer service .

15. Travelling With Family or Luggage?

Vehicle size should be based on both passengers and luggage.

For example:

• A small sedan may suit one or two travellers with limited luggage.
• A larger sedan or wagon may be more practical for a family.
• An SUV can provide additional space for passengers and luggage.
• A van may be appropriate for larger families, corporate teams or groups.

Do not choose a vehicle based only on the number of seats.

Tell the rental company how many suitcases you have so the appropriate vehicle can be recommended.

16. Travelling to Another Town After Landing?

Eldoret International Airport can be used as the starting point for journeys beyond Eldoret.

Travellers may continue towards destinations such as:

• Iten
• Kitale
• Kakamega
• Bungoma
• Kisumu
• Nakuru
• Nairobi
• Other destinations across Kenya

For a long-distance journey, confirm the total route, fuel arrangement, driver requirements, expected travel time and any additional charges before payment.

The appropriate vehicle also depends on passenger numbers, luggage, road conditions and the length of the journey.

17. Travelling to Uganda or Another Country?

Do not assume that a Kenyan rental vehicle can automatically cross an international border.

If you intend to travel from Kenya into Uganda or another country, obtain written confirmation from the rental company before booking.

Ask specifically about:

• Cross-border permission
• Required documentation
• Insurance
• Temporary importation requirements
• Border charges
• Driver authorisation
• Security deposit
• One-way return arrangements
• Additional cross-border fees

International travel can involve requirements that do not apply to ordinary domestic rental, so confirm everything before leaving Kenya.

18. Questions to Ask Before Confirming Your Booking

Before making payment, confirm these points:

1. Which vehicle will be provided?
2. Is the vehicle self-drive or chauffeur-driven?
3. What is the total rental price?
4. What does the price include?
5. Is fuel included?
6. What security deposit applies?
7. What insurance cover applies?
8. What is the insurance excess?
9. Where will collection take place?
10. Where will the vehicle be returned?
11. What happens if the flight is delayed?
12. Are there additional charges?
13. What documents do I need?
14. Are there restrictions on where I can drive?
15. Can the vehicle cross an international border?

Getting clear answers before payment makes the rental process much easier.

20. Example of a Good Booking Request

You can send the following information when requesting a vehicle:

For example:

Providing these details allows the company to respond with a more accurate quotation.

21. Where to Find Current Vehicle and Rental Information

Rental vehicles, availability and rates can change according to the travel date and vehicle demand.

For that reason, this guide focuses on the process and practical information you need before renting, rather than maintaining a second fleet and pricing catalogue.

Related Services

Depending on your journey, these services may also be relevant:

• Main airport rental page - for current vehicle and rental information.
• Self-Drive Car Hire in Eldoret - for travellers who prefer to drive themselves.
• Chauffeur-Driven Car Hire in Eldoret - for travellers who prefer a professional driver.

22. Final Checklist Before You Travel

Hiring a vehicle from an airport is easier when the important details are agreed before you land.

Make sure you know:

• Who is collecting you
• Where the collection takes place
• What vehicle you are receiving
• How much you will pay
• What deposit applies
• What insurance covers
• What your excess is
• Whether fuel is included
• Where you will return the vehicle
• What to do if your flight changes

Once these details are confirmed, you can arrive at Eldoret International Airport with a clear understanding of what happens next.