Can I insure a matatu before joining a Sacco?

Insurance is route-licence dependent. You will typically need your TLB (Transport Licensing Board) licence and Sacco affiliation in place before binding cover, since these affect rating and route classification.

How is passenger legal liability calculated?

It is rated per passenger seat, with limits typically set per passenger and aggregate per event. We recommend per-passenger limits of at least KES 3M for matatus and KES 5M for buses given recent court awards.

Does ride-hailing need a different policy than a regular taxi?

Yes — most insurers now treat ride-hailing as a distinct sub-class. Some policies specifically include or exclude app-based work. We confirm the right product for your platform mix before binding.

Is there a discount for fleets or Saccos?

Yes. We negotiate Sacco-level master policies for member fleets, with shared loss-experience pricing and centralised claims handling. Discounts of 10–20% versus individual cover are typical.

Motor Insurance

PSV / Matatu Insurance

Passenger service vehicles including matatus, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing vehicles.

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Stage & contract carriagePassenger legal liabilitySchool bus & tour coverSame-day cover note

Passenger Liability

Built into Cover

Same-day

Cover Note Issued

Passenger Liability

Built into Cover

Same-day

Cover Note Issued

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Public Service Vehicle (PSV) insurance is the highest-risk class of motor cover in Kenya — and the most heavily regulated. The NTSA, IRA, and individual Saccos each impose requirements, and getting them right is non-negotiable: an inadequate policy can mean licence suspension, Sacco expulsion, or personal liability for catastrophic claims.

Vike's commercial team handles PSV underwriting daily. We understand Sacco compliance requirements, route licensing categories, the realities of stage carriage versus contract carriage, and how passenger legal liability has evolved through Kenyan case law. We place cover with insurers who have genuine PSV claims expertise — not generalists who treat passenger cover as an afterthought.

What It Covers

Accidental damage to the vehicle (Comprehensive)
Fire, theft, and attempted theft
Third-party bodily injury — legally unlimited
Third-party property damage
Passenger Legal Liability — injury and death of fare-paying passengers
Authorised PSV-licensed driver cover
Towing and recovery

Who It's For

Matatu owners (14-seater and above) operating Sacco routes
Bus operators — including long-distance, school transport, and shuttle services
Taxi owners — both traditional ranks and contracted services
Ride-hailing drivers (Uber, Bolt, Little, etc.) — some products are app-tier specific
Tour operators running passenger vehicles

Types We Cover

Each profile is rated and underwritten differently. Talk to us so we can match your specific situation.

14-Seater Matatus (Stage Carriage)

The classic Kenyan matatu. Sacco-affiliated, route-licensed, and operating fixed routes for fare-paying passengers. Premiums reflect the high frequency of stops and dense urban operating environment.

Mid-Sized Matatus (25 / 33-seater)

Longer-distance matatus and shuttles, often inter-county. Slightly lower premium per seat than 14-seaters because of less stop-start exposure.

Buses (Stage & Contract Carriage)

Larger passenger buses — both regular route services and contract operations. Includes long-distance operators (Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kampala) and inter-county fleets.

School Buses

Dedicated school transport, typically rated more favourably than commercial PSV because of the limited operating window and known passenger profile. Specialised cover for school holidays and extracurricular trips.

Taxis (Traditional & Cab Ranks)

Saloon and station-wagon taxis operating from cab ranks, hotels, or on call-out. Lower passenger numbers per trip than matatus but higher daily kilometres.

Ride-Hailing (Uber, Bolt, Little)

App-based passenger transport. Some insurers offer dedicated ride-hailing products with cover that recognises private use outside app hours. Confirm the platform requirements before binding.

Tour & Safari Vehicles

4x4s, mini-vans, and coaster buses used for tourist transport. Includes passenger legal liability across game parks and inter-park transit.

Real-World Scenarios

Matatu involved in a multi-vehicle accident

Passenger Legal Liability handles injury and death claims from on-board passengers. Third-party liability handles claims from other road users. Your own vehicle damage is covered under Comprehensive. Without all three, you carry potentially catastrophic personal liability.

Bus written off in a roll-over

Comprehensive policy settles the market value (or agreed value if specified) less excess. Loss of Use add-on pays a daily revenue allowance during the period the bus is off the road, helping protect Sacco contributions.

Sacco compliance check

Your Sacco requires proof of PSV insurance with passenger legal liability of at least KES 3M. Vike issues certificates that meet Sacco and NTSA requirements, with electronic confirmation if your Sacco accepts digital documents.

Optional Benefits & Add-ons

Increased Passenger Legal Liability limits

Loss of Use — daily revenue allowance

PVT (Political Violence & Terrorism)

Sacco-specific endorsements

Driver Personal Accident

WIBA for the driver and tout/conductor (separate policy)

Availability varies by underwriter. Our advisors will confirm what is available on your chosen policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

By law, every PSV must hold at least Third Party cover with passenger legal liability. In practice, Saccos and lenders almost always require Comprehensive — and most operators choose it to protect the value of the vehicle.