How much does car tracking cost in Kenya? This is a question I see being asked a lot in many car forums but the answers given are never satisfactory. Through this article, my goal is to tackle this question in its entirety and give a definite answer.
To start off we need to breakdown the cost into 3 categories:
- The tracking device (Hardware) cost
- The tracking App (Software) cost
- The installation cost
1. The Tracking Device (Hardware) Cost
The 1st step in car tracking is installing a tracking device on your car.
There are three types of tracking devices available in the Kenyan market: the plug-in GPS tracker, the Hardwired GPS tracker, and the wireless GPS tracker.
We have prepared a detailed guide on the 3 tracking devices to help you choose the best one but just a quick overview of what they are and what they do.
The plug-in GPS tracker is usually plugged in on the OBD port of a car, it will read data directly from the vehicle’s computer, giving you a precise odometer reading as well as readings on temperature, coolant, and engine speed metrics.
The hardwired GPS tracker just as the name suggests is wired to the vehicle’s wiring and is usually hidden inside the car.
The wireless GPS tracker usually has a magnetic base that sucks to any metallic part of the car. The device has an internal battery that it uses for power and it can stay in operation for months some even years without needing a recharge.
The Pricing Of Vehicle Tracking Hardware
The Plug-in GPS tracker ranges between KES 4,000 to KES 8,000 depending on where you buy it from and the brand. The device is also not that popular in Kenya.
The hardwired GPS tracker cost ranges between KES 2,000 to KES 6,500. This is a popular device in Kenya and it’s readily available.
Meanwhile, the wireless GPS tracker ranges between KES 3,000 to KES 8,000. The device is also not that popular in the Kenyan market and most companies that sell it do so on order basis.
2. The Tracking APP (Software) Cost
To use your GPS tracker effectively, you need a tracking software to do the monitoring.
There are several car tracking softwares available in the Kenyan market today, they are offered as Phone Apps and Web applications.
With the tracking software, you can track the real-time location of the vehicle, this information is usually displayed on a map. In addition, the software offers other functionalities such as route playback, instant alerts such as engine on/engine off alerts, Geofencing and so much more.
The Pricing of The Tracking Apps (Software)
Most car tracking software developers are in partnerships with car tracking device manufacturers as a result they offer one free year of usage of the tracking software for every device purchased. Thereafter, they charge a subscription fee either yearly or as a one-off fee.
Typically, the subscription ranges between KES 1,500 to KES 7,500 per year. The one-off fee ranges from KES 3,500 to KES 10,000 depending on the software.
3. The Installation Cost
Installation can be approached in 2 ways: Professional installation and self-installation.
Professional Installation
For the hardwired GPS tracker, a professional technician is required to do the installation. However, the GPS devices are pretty easy to install for anyone conversant with vehicle wiring as shown in this manual.
In Kenya and mostly in major towns there are mechanics who fix car radios these are a perfect fit to install the GPS trackers, and therefore if you have purchased a GPS tracker online you can use these guys to do the installation for you.
The cost will usually range from kES 1,000 to kES 2,500 depending on the type of vehicle and your location. Installation costs in Nairobi and its environs will be cheaper as there are many technicians available, but as you move further and further away from Nairobi the cost may increase as the number of technicians starts to decline.
You, therefore, do not have to worry whether you’re in Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nyeri, Garissa, or in any corner of Kenya there will most likely be a technician who can assist with the installation near you.
Self Installation
Both the Plug-in GPS tracker and the wireless tracker require no installation whatsoever and therefore there should be no installation costs involved if you’re using any of these 2 devices.
Conclusion
Car tracking companies set their prices based on so many factors among them being operation costs, product demand, product costs, etc.
Always seek to understand the segmentation of the 3 cost categories and perform due diligence to ensure you’re getting value for money when purchasing a tracker for your car.
Lastly, you can always make a substantial saving by buying a tracking device online from a reputable GPS tracker dealer and do the installation yourself using the professional technicians recommended above.
ALSO READ: SUMP GUARD PRICE IN KENYA: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR CAR OWNERS
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Tracking Cost In Kenya
How much does car track cost in Kenya?
The cost of a car tracker ranges from KES 2,000 to 8,000 depending on the type of tracking device.
The price will vary depending on the device brand, quality, and features.
How much is the installation cost of a car tracker in Kenya
The installation cost will range from KES 1,000 to KES 2,500. The price will vary depending on the type of vehicle as well as the location of installation. Generally, installation cost in Nairobi and its environs is a lot cheaper compared to towns further away from the capital.