Quick Summary
- Your tyre size is on the sidewall and the driver-door placard — e.g. 195/65R15 for most Kenyan saloons.
- 195/65R15 is Kenya's most stocked size: KSh 5,500–14,500 per tyre depending on brand tier.
- Matatus and load-carrying pickups need LT/commercial ratings (195R15C, LT265/75R16) — never passenger tyres.
- Check the DOT date code; in Kenyan heat, reject anything older than 2 years at purchase.
- Budget brands are fine for town use, but counterfeit and re-treaded tyres are the real danger — buy from established dealers.
How to read a tyre size (195/65R15 decoded)
Every tyre sidewall carries a code like 195/65R15 91V. Once you can read it, you can compare quotes from different shops without being at the mercy of the fundi. Here is what each part means:
| Marking | Meaning | Why it matters in Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| 195 | Section width in millimetres | The tyre is 195mm wide at its widest point when fitted and inflated. Wider tyres give more grip but can cost more fuel. |
| 65 | Aspect ratio (sidewall height) | Sidewall height equals 65% of the 195mm width (~127mm). Taller sidewalls (65-75) ride better on rough upcountry roads; low profiles (40-55) suit tarmac but suffer on potholes. |
| R | Radial construction | Almost every passenger tyre sold in Kenya is radial. Older bias-ply markings (a dash, e.g. 7.50-16) survive mainly on trucks and agricultural vehicles. |
| 15 | Rim diameter in inches | The tyre fits a 15-inch wheel. This must match your rim exactly — a 15-inch tyre cannot stretch onto a 16-inch rim. |
| 91 | Load index | A code for maximum load per tyre. 91 = 615kg. Matatus and pickups carrying heavy loads need higher indices; never go below the placard on your door frame. |
| V | Speed rating | Maximum sustained speed: V = 240km/h, H = 210km/h, T = 190km/h, S = 180km/h, N = 140km/h. For Kenyan highways, T or H is more than adequate. |
Tyre anatomy (official Michelin technical illustration)
Speed ratings cheat sheet
| Rating | Max speed | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| N | 140 km/h | Spares, light trucks |
| S | 180 km/h | Family cars, taxis |
| T | 190 km/h | Saloons, compact SUVs |
| H | 210 km/h | Touring sedans, SUVs |
| V | 240 km/h | Performance sedans |
| W / Y | 270 / 300 km/h | Sports cars |
Speed index reference (official Michelin/BFGoodrich chart)
Common Kenyan fitments by vehicle
Kenya's fleet is dominated by Japanese imports, so a handful of sizes cover most of the market. If your size is on this table, every tyre shop from Kirinyaga Road to Mombasa will stock it — which also means you can haggle and compare quotes.
| Vehicle | OEM size | Common upgrade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Probox / Succeed | 155/80R13 or 155/80R14 | 175/70R14 | Kenya's workhorse. Many operators upsize to 175/70R14 for load stability; stay within ~3% overall diameter. |
| Toyota Corolla Fielder / Axio | 185/70R14 | 195/65R15 | 2000–2006 Fielders run 185/70R14 (e.g. Bridgestone Ecopia EP150). Newer models moved to 15-inch fitments. |
| Toyota Vitz / Passo | 175/70R14 or 185/55R15 | 185/60R15 | Check the door placard — Vitz came on both 14s and 15s depending on year and trim. |
| Nissan Note / Tiida | 185/70R14 or 185/65R15 | 195/65R15 | Very common ride-hailing size; 195/65R15 is Kenya's most stocked passenger size. |
| Toyota Hilux / Isuzu D-Max | 265/65R17 or 255/65R17 | 265/70R16 (older models) | Pickups carrying loads should run LT-rated tyres, not P-metric passenger tyres. |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | 265/65R17 or 265/60R18 | All-terrain in same size | Popular sizes for Prado 120/150; budget KSh 25,000+ per corner for premium AT rubber. |
| Toyota Hiace (14-seater matatu) | 195R15C | 195R15C 8PR | The 'C' means commercial. Matatus legally need reinforced 6-8 ply rated tyres; passenger tyres are dangerous here. |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 70/80/100 | 265/70R16 or 285/75R16 | LT285/75R16 MT/AT | Safari and upcountry rigs almost always run LT construction with 3-ply sidewalls. |
When upsizing, keep overall diameter within roughly ±3% or your speedometer and gearing will be off. A Probox on 175/70R14 instead of 155/80R13 is a safe, very common swap that improves load stability for traders who carry goods.
Brand tiers: what your money buys
Tyre pricing in Kenya tracks brand tier more than anything else. Import duty and the shilling mean the same size can cost three times more in premium rubber than in budget rubber.
Premium
Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, Dunlop, Pirelli, Yokohama, BFGoodrich
Best wet braking, longest tread life, consistent quality. Worth it for high-mileage drivers and highway commuters.
KSh 12,000–38,000 per tyre (size dependent)
Mid-range
Maxxis, Kumho, Toyo, Falken, Hankook, Apollo
80–90% of premium performance at 60–70% of the price. Maxxis and Toyo are very popular with Kenyan 4x4 owners.
KSh 7,000–25,000 per tyre
Budget
Triangle, Linglong, Sailun, Kapsen, Double Coin, CEAT, MRF, Otani, Comforser
Fine for town cars and second axles; shorter tread life. Buy from reputable shops — this tier is the most counterfeited.
KSh 4,500–12,000 per tyre
One warning on budget tyres: Triangle, Linglong, Sailun, Kapsen, Double Coin, CEAT, MRF and Otani are all legitimate manufacturers — but they are also the most commonly faked brands in the Kenyan market. A genuine budget tyre from an authorised shop beats a fake "Michelin" every single time.
Tyre prices by size in Kenya (2026)
Ranges compiled from Kenyan retailers including KenyaTyres, Dial a Tyre, SpareZone and Bonfire Tyres (Bridgestone's certified distributor) as of October 2026. Prices move with the exchange rate and freight costs, so treat these as negotiation anchors, not fixed prices.
| Size | Typical fitment | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 155/80R13 | Probox, older small cars | KSh 4,500–6,500 | KSh 7,000–9,500 | KSh 10,000–13,000 |
| 185/70R14 | Fielder, Axio, older Corollas | KSh 5,000–7,000 | KSh 8,000–10,500 | KSh 11,000–14,000 |
| 195/65R15 | Note, newer Fielder/Axio, most saloons | KSh 5,500–8,000 | KSh 8,500–12,500 (Maxxis ~KSh 12,500) | KSh 11,900–14,500 (Michelin Primacy 4) |
| 195R15C | Hiace matatu, TownAce | KSh 7,500–10,000 | KSh 11,000–14,000 | KSh 15,000–19,000 |
| 265/65R17 | Hilux, D-Max, Prado, Fortuner | KSh 14,000–19,000 | KSh 20,000–31,000 (Maxxis AT980 ~KSh 31,000) | KSh 28,000–38,000 (Bridgestone ~KSh 28,000; Michelin ~KSh 37,900) |
| 285/75R16 LT | Land Cruiser 70/80, safari rigs | KSh 16,000–22,000 | KSh 24,000–32,000 | KSh 35,000–50,000+ (BFG KO2/KO3) |
LT vs P tyres: what pickups and matatus need
A tyre marked LT265/75R16 is a Light Truck tyre with reinforced sidewalls and higher load capacity. One marked P265/65R17 (or with no prefix) is a passenger tyre. The distinction matters enormously in Kenya:
- Matatus (14-seaters): legally and practically require commercial tyres like 195R15C — the "C" and the 6PR/8PR (ply rating) markings mean reinforced carcass construction for constant overloading.
- Hilux, D-Max, pickups carrying cargo: choose LT with load range C (6PR) or E (10PR). Passenger tyres on a loaded pickup bulge, overheat and can delaminate on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
- Prado / Land Cruiser used mainly in town: a P-rated HT (highway terrain) tyre rides quieter and lasts longer — LT is only necessary if you tow or go off-road regularly.
- Load index rule: never fit a lower load index than the placard specifies, even if the size matches.
4x4 picks for upcountry roads: AT vs MT
If you regularly drive murram, farm tracks or safari routes, an all-terrain (AT) tyre is the single best upgrade. Mud-terrain (MT) tyres look aggressive but are noisy and wear quickly on tarmac — buy them only if mud is a weekly reality.
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 / KO3
Serious off-road + long-distance safari
The benchmark AT tyre with 3-ply CoreGard sidewalls that survive sharp murram and rock. Expensive (KSh 35,000–55,000 in common sizes) but unmatched on Northern Kenya roads.
Toyo Open Country A/T III
Mixed tarmac and murram use
Quieter than a KO2 on tarmac with genuine gravel capability. Popular with Prado and Hilux owners who split time between Nairobi and upcountry.
Maxxis AT980 Bravo
Value all-terrain
Roughly KSh 31,000 in 265/65R17 — about 20–30% cheaper than BFG with credible off-road manners. Very common on Kenyan pickups.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Daily-driven 4x4s
Strong wet grip and good wear for the money. A solid middle ground if the KO2 price stings.
Mud-terrain options (Maxxis MT764, BFG KM3)
Frequent mud, logging and farm tracks
MTs bite in mud but are noisy, wear fast and squirm on wet tarmac. Only buy if you genuinely drive off-road weekly.
All-terrain tread illustration (official BFGoodrich/Michelin)
Tyre age: check the DOT code
Every tyre has a DOT code ending in four digits: the first two are the production week, the last two the year. 2524 = week 25 of 2024. In Kenya's UV and heat, rubber hardens fast:
- At purchase, reject anything older than 2 years from manufacture.
- Replace tyres at 5–6 years of age regardless of remaining tread.
- Tyres sitting in the sun outside roadside shops age faster — prefer stock stored indoors or in cartons.
- A "new" tyre with a 2019 DOT code being sold in 2026 is already dead stock, whatever the price.
Where to buy and how to avoid fakes
Kenya has a healthy tyre retail scene. For genuine stock and warranty support, stick to authorised distributors and established online shops:
- Bonfire Tyres — certified Bridgestone distributor with branches countrywide.
- KenyaTyres.com and Dial a Tyre — online shops with indicative per-size pricing and Nairobi delivery.
- SpareZone Kenya — wide brand range including Michelin, with Nairobi physical presence.
- AutoXpress and Tyre Centres Africa — fitting, alignment and balancing under one roof.
- Brand country distributors — Michelin, Maxxis, Toyo and Goodyear all have Kenyan distributors; buy from them or their listed dealers for warranty claims.
Red flags for counterfeits and re-treads: prices far below the ranges above, missing or scratched DOT codes, uneven branding fonts on the sidewall, "Michelin" stickers instead of moulded lettering, and sellers who refuse to show the manufacture date. Also beware of re-grooved truck tyres sold as new — check for carved (not moulded) tread grooves.
What should you buy?
Town car (Vitz, Note, Fielder)
Mid-range is the sweet spot: Maxxis, Kumho or Falken in your OEM size. Budget brands are acceptable if cash is tight — just verify the DOT date and buy from a proper shop.
High-mileage / highway driver
Premium pays for itself: Michelin Primacy or Bridgestone Turanza last measurably longer and brake shorter in the wet — important on the escarpment roads in rainy season.
Pickup / matatu / upcountry
LT or C-rated tyres only. Maxxis AT980 for value, BFG KO2/KO3 for serious off-road. Never put passenger tyres on a 14-seater — it is both illegal and deadly.
FAQs
What does 195/65R15 91V mean on a tyre?
195 is the tread width in millimetres, 65 is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width, R means radial construction, 15 is the rim diameter in inches, 91 is the load index (615kg per tyre) and V is the speed rating (240km/h). Always match or exceed the load and speed ratings on your vehicle's door placard.
How much do tyres cost in Kenya in 2026?
For the common 195/65R15 saloon size, expect KSh 5,500–8,000 for budget brands, KSh 8,500–12,500 for mid-range like Maxxis, and KSh 11,900–14,500 for premium like Michelin Primacy 4. A 265/65R17 for Hilux/Prado runs KSh 14,000–38,000 depending on brand and whether it is an HT or AT pattern.
How do I check a tyre's age before buying?
Look for the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits give the week and year of manufacture — e.g. '2524' means week 25 of 2024. In Kenya's heat, avoid tyres older than 2 years at purchase and replace any tyre older than 6 years regardless of tread depth, because UV exposure hardens the rubber.
Should I buy LT or P tyres for my pickup?
If you carry loads or drive rough upcountry roads, choose LT (Light Truck) tyres with a load range like C or E — they have reinforced sidewalls. P-metric tyres are fine for a pickup used purely as a town car but will fail early under heavy cargo or corrugated murram.
Are cheap Chinese tyres like Triangle and Linglong safe?
Brands like Triangle, Linglong, Sailun and Kapsen are legitimate budget tyres when bought genuine from a reputable shop — they just wear faster and brake longer than premium brands. The bigger risk in Kenya is counterfeit or re-grooved tyres sold at suspiciously low prices; always check the DOT code, moulding quality and buy from established dealers.
How often should I rotate and align my tyres in Kenya?
Rotate every 8,000–10,000km (every second service) and check wheel alignment at least once a year or after hitting a serious pothole — Kenyan roads are hard on alignment. Uneven inner-edge wear on Nairobi cars is almost always a toe alignment issue, not a tyre defect.
Sources
- KenyaTyres.com — indicative per-size pricing and brand catalogue (checked Oct 2026)
- Dial a Tyre Kenya — Maxxis 195/65R15 and AT980 265/65R17 pricing
- Bonfire Tyres — certified Bridgestone distributor Kenya, 265/65R17 pricing
- SpareZone Kenya — Michelin 265/65R17 Primacy SUV+ and Ecopia EP150 fitment data
- BFGoodrich — All-Terrain T/A KO2 official product page
- Michelin — Primacy 4 official product page and tyre-marking guidance
- Tirefolio — Toyota Probox OEM fitment (155/80R14) and safe alternative sizes
