Balqis Chepkwony is transforming Kenya’s ride-hailing industry by making vehicle leasing more efficient, fair, and financially sustainable for drivers and car owners through FleetSimplify.
Africa’s ride-hailing industry is expanding rapidly, with the market projected to grow from $4.2 billion in 2020 to $7.8 billion by 2030. However, beneath this growth lies a web of inefficiencies.
Most drivers do not own the cars they operate, and vehicle owners struggle to manage their assets efficiently. Many drivers lose up to half their earnings to car rentals, leaving them minimal income after covering operational costs. At the same time, car owners face challenges such as vehicle misuse, high maintenance expenses, and irregular driver payments. This imbalance creates financial and operational strain on both sides, ultimately limiting the potential of Kenya’s shared mobility sector.
Having personally faced these challenges while leasing her car for ride-hailing services, Balqis Chepkwony saw an opportunity for a more innovative solution. In 2017, she co-founded FleetSimplify, a tech-driven fleet management platform and digital marketplace that benefits drivers and car owners. FleetSimplify ensures owners earn a steady income while drivers can access reliable vehicles under fairer terms.
Balqis Chepkwony, who studied Actuarial Science at the University of Nairobi, built a successful finance career before pivoting into entrepreneurship. Her frustrations with ride-hailing inefficiencies pushed her to rethink vehicle leasing and ownership models.
While Africa’s shared mobility market is set to double by 2030, its current inefficiencies threaten its full potential. Drivers barely make ends meet, burdened by high rental fees and 20–25% commissions per ride. Meanwhile, vehicle owners lose money due to poor asset management and inconsistent payments.
FleetSimplify fixes this broken system by aligning incentives for both drivers and car owners. The platform provides affordable, well-maintained vehicles for drivers at fair rates, reducing financial strain. The startup guarantees car owners a steady, hassle-free income through automated revenue management.
The company enhances fleet management with an online platform that allows vehicle owners to track their earnings, monitor business performance, and manage payments through an e-wallet system. Car owners renting out their vehicles using FleetSimplify can earn approximately KES 1,400 (about $10.80) daily, providing them financial stability without operational challenges.
Again, FleetSimplify introduced a “Drive-to-Own” program allowing drivers to own their vehicles.
Balqis Chepkwony leads a team of about 50 employees and is expanding her company’s impact across Africa. In 2023, her company was chosen for Google’s Black Founders Fund, highlighting its innovative approach. Chepkwony was a finalist in the Mobility 54 Pitch Competition in 2022.
