February 28, 2025
The lorry transport business in Kenya is a vital part of the logistics and supply chain sector, supporting the movement of goods across urban and rural areas.
With increasing trade, construction, and agricultural activities, the demand for reliable lorry transport services continues to rise.
Entrepreneurs in this field can tap into a broad customer base ranging from farmers and manufacturers to wholesalers and retailers.
Four factors make the lorry transport business a lucrative venture in Kenya:
From agricultural produce to construction materials, lorries are essential for moving goods across the country efficiently.
Lorry transport businesses cater to various sectors, including retail, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, offering multiple revenue streams.
Kenya’s ongoing improvements in road networks, including the Nairobi Expressway and rural roads, make long-distance goods transportation more efficient.
The business allows entrepreneurs to start small with one vehicle and gradually expand their fleet as demand grows.
The lorry transport business in Kenya offers several opportunities for growth and profitability including
Transporting fresh produce from farms to markets in cities and towns is a consistent and high-demand service.
Delivering sand, cement, and other construction materials is lucrative due to the booming real estate and infrastructure sectors.
Transporting goods across counties or to neighboring countries provides steady and high-paying contracts.
Providing transport solutions to manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers ensures regular revenue through bulk contracts.
Starting and running a lorry transport business is rewarding but comes with challenges including:
Purchasing or leasing lorries can be expensive, making it difficult for new entrants.
Solution: Start with a smaller vehicle or consider financing options like loans or partnerships.
Fuel price fluctuations and frequent vehicle repairs can reduce profit margins.
Solution: Optimize routes to save fuel and schedule regular maintenance to prevent costly breakdowns.
The market is saturated with established players and small operators.
Solution: Focus on niche markets or offer superior customer service and reliability to stand out.
Transport businesses must comply with stringent government regulations, including vehicle licensing and driver requirements.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements and ensure full compliance to avoid penalties.
Let’s explore the required steps when starting a lorry transport business in Kenya:
Understand your target customers and competition:
Decide how to structure your lorry transport operations.
Viable transport business models in Kenya include:
Own and drive your lorry to save on driver costs.
Manage multiple lorries and hire drivers to scale operations.
Focus on securing long-term contracts with businesses for steady income.
A solid business plan will guide your operations and attract potential investors.
Your business plan should include:
Include vehicle purchase, insurance, and licenses.
Define your customer segments, such as wholesalers or farmers.
Highlight income from cargo delivery, bulk transport, or specialized services.
Ensure your business operates legally by doing the following:
Invest in the right vehicle based on your target market such as::
Ideal for local deliveries and smaller loads.
Suitable for agricultural or retail goods.
Best for long-distance or bulk cargo transport.
Ensure your team meets industry standards:
Promote your business to attract clients.
Viable marketing strategies for advertising your lorry transport business include:
Use posters, banners, or word-of-mouth marketing in your area.
Create a website or social media profiles to showcase your services.
Collaborate with businesses or farmers to secure regular contracts.
An entrepreneur should embrace the following strategies to ensure long-term business success:
Deliver goods on time and maintain consistent communication with clients to build trust.
Regular servicing ensures safety and minimizes downtime due to breakdowns.
Use GPS technology to identify the fastest and most cost-effective delivery routes.
Introduce specialized services like refrigerated transport or fragile goods handling to attract new customers.
Keep up-to-date with industry regulations to avoid penalties and maintain a good reputation.
A breakdown of estimated startup costs for a lorry transport business is shown below:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (Ksh) |
| Lorry Purchase or Lease | 2,000,000–6,000,000 |
| Insurance and Permits | 50,000–200,000 |
| Driver and Staff Salaries | 20,000–100,000/month |
| Maintenance and Fuel | 30,000–100,000/month |
| Marketing and Branding | 10,000–50,000 |
An overview of projected earnings from a lorry transport business is shpown below:
| Metric | Projected Value (Ksh) |
| Daily Revenue | Ksh 10,000–50,000 |
| Monthly Revenue | Ksh 300,000–1,500,000 |
| Profit Margins | 20–50% |
The lorry transport business in Kenya offers excellent opportunities for consistent income and scalability.
By focusing on quality service, maintaining reliable operations, and targeting high-demand sectors, you can establish a thriving enterprise that meets the growing logistical needs of Kenya’s economy.
At Surfstop, we provide expert consultation to help you plan, register, and grow your business.
Contact us today to turn your lorry transport business idea into a successful venture!