How to rent a car on Zidi, step by step
Published 28 October 2026
Zidi lets you rent a self-drive car from people near you. Here's how it works, from your first search to handing the keys back.
1. Get Zidi Rentals and sign in
Install Zidi Rentals and sign in with your phone number and the code we text you. To rent a car, you must be at least 21, with a valid driving licence held for at least 2 years.
2. Add your ID
Before your first request, upload your ID (both sides), your driving licence and a selfie. Zidi checks them, usually the same day. Hosts never see the photos: at pick-up they see only the name on your ID and the last 4 characters of its number.
3. Find a car
Search by town, area or airport, and your dates: you see only the cars free then, with the total price. Each car shows its own photos, number plate, price per 24 hours, ratings and the host's rules. You can also browse the cars at zidimobility.co.ke/cars.
4. Send a request
Choose your pick-up and return times, say where you're going, and send the request: the host sees where you plan to go before approving. You accept the host's terms with the request. The host has 10 minutes to approve it.
5. Pay within 10 minutes
Once the host approves, you have 10 minutes to pay by M-Pesa or card. You pay the car's daily rate for each 24 hours from pick-up, with a free hour at return, plus Zidi's fee of KES 50 a day. Paying by card adds a small card fee, shown before you pay. There's no deposit.
When you've paid, the booking is confirmed and you both get a text with the pick-up details.
6. If your plans change
Cancel from your trip. Up to 24 hours before pick-up, you get everything back. After that, one day's rental goes to the host and the rest comes back to you. If you booked less than 24 hours ahead, it's free to cancel until 2 hours before pick-up. See Cancellations and refunds.
7. At pick-up
Bring your original ID and driving licence. The host checks them, then you give them your 4-digit pick-up code. It shows on your trip, and comes by SMS, 2 hours before pick-up. Only give it to the host at the car.
You then have 30 minutes to look the car over. Accept it, or reject it with photos for a full refund if it isn't as described. No answer in 30 minutes counts as accepted.
8. On the road
- Only you drive the car, lawfully and safely.
- Follow the host's terms, such as the fuel level or no smoking.
- Stay in Kenya, and within any area the host sets.
- If there's an accident, a breakdown, damage or theft, tell the host and Zidi at once.
9. Hand it back, and rate the car
Return the car to the agreed place on time, in the condition you received it. After the trip, rate the car: your stars and comment show on its page with your first name and initial.
Questions? See Support, or the help in the app under Account, Help.