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Car key repair · Nairobi

Car Key Repair, Shell & Battery Replacement in Nairobi

Cracked key shell, worn buttons or a remote that has stopped working? Repairing your key is often much cheaper than a new one. We replace key shells and batteries, fix buttons and broken blades, and reprogram remotes, keeping your existing key chip, at our Kiambu Road or Westlands branch.

  • Your existing chip kept
  • Smart keys and remotes
  • Honest repair-or-replace advice
  • Two Nairobi branches
Mercedes smart key with a broken shell (left) and the same key after a new shell was fitted (right) at Carkey Masters, Nairobi
A real repair from our workshop: the same Mercedes key before (left) and after a new shell (right).
★ 4.8 on Google170+ reviews, Kiambu Road

Car key repairs we do

Bring your key, or send us a photo on WhatsApp first and we will tell you what it needs.

New key shell

Cracked or broken casing? We move your key's electronics and chip into a new shell and cut the blade to match.

Key battery replacement

Remote only works close to the car, or a "key battery low" warning? A new battery usually fixes it.

Button repair

Worn, torn or unresponsive buttons repaired or replaced.

Broken blade replacement

Snapped or bent key blade replaced and cut to fit your locks and ignition.

Remote not working

Remote stopped locking the car? We test it and reprogram it to the car if needed.

Flip key repair

Flip keys that will not open or stay closed: hinge and spring repaired or shell replaced.

Repair or replace? If a repair would cost more than a new key, or the key's circuit board is damaged, we tell you before we start. You only pay for what makes sense. Ask about my key

Signs your car key needs attention

Fix small problems early, before the key fails when you need it most.

Shorter range

You have to stand right next to the car before it locks or unlocks.

Press, press, press

Buttons need several presses, or only work at a certain angle.

Dashboard warning

A "key battery low" or "key not detected" message on push-start cars.

Loose or cracked case

The case rattles, opens by itself or the key ring loop has broken.

Before and after: real key repairs

Customer keys we have repaired at our workshop. The chip and electronics stay the same, so the key works with your car just like before.

Range Rover smart key with a split, open shell (left) and the same key in a new shell (right), repaired by Carkey Masters
Range Rover smart keyBefore: the case had split open, with the inside showing. After: a new shell, with the same buttons and chip.
Toyota smart key held together with rubber bands (bottom) and the same key in a new shell (top), repaired by Carkey Masters
Toyota smart keyBefore: the case was held together with rubber bands. After: a new shell, with the same buttons and chip.
Honda remote key with a shell broken into pieces (top) and the same key rebuilt in a new shell (bottom), repaired by Carkey Masters
Honda remote keyBefore: the shell had broken into pieces. After: the key rebuilt in a new shell, ready to use.
Toyota remote key with a broken shell (left, CR1220 battery visible) and the same key in a new shell (right), repaired by Carkey Masters
Toyota remote keyBefore: a cracked shell with the CR1220 battery showing. After: the same electronics in a new shell.

How key repair works

Most small repairs are done while you wait.

Send a photo

WhatsApp a photo of your key with the make, model and year of your car.

Get your price

We confirm what the key needs and the price before we start.

Visit a branch

Bring the key, and the car if the remote needs reprogramming.

Repair and test

We repair the key and test locking, unlocking and starting before you leave.

Car makes and models we program

We program keys for most cars on Kenyan roads, both Japanese-market imports and UK and European models. Not sure about yours? Send us the make, model and year.

ToyotaVitz, Axio, Allion, Premio, Fielder, Belta, Wish, Noah, Voxy, IST, Ractis, Probox, Corolla, Auris, Prius, Mark X, Crown, Harrier, RAV4, Vanguard, Alphard, Hilux, Fortuner, Prado, Land CruiserSee Toyota keys →MazdaDemio, Axela, Atenza, Premacy, Blante, CX-3, CX-5, CX-7, CX-9, CX-30, Mazda 2, 3 & 6, BT-50, Bongo, MPVSee Mazda keys →NissanNote, Tiida, Bluebird Sylphy, Wingroad, Cube, Lafesta, Serena, NV200, X-Trail, Qashqai, Murano, Navara, Patrol, Pathfinder, Teana, Skyline, LeafSee Nissan keys →HondaFit, Vezel, Insight, Airwave, Freed, Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V, Crossroad, Odyssey, StepwagonSee Honda keys →SubaruImpreza, Legacy, Levorg, Outback, Forester, TreziaSee Subaru keys →MitsubishiColt, Mirage, Galant Fortis, RVR / ASX, Outlander, DelicaSee Mitsubishi keys →SuzukiSwift, Alto, Wagon R, Splash, Jimny, Escudo / Vitara, SX4Browse the shop →Mercedes-BenzA, B, C, E, M / ML, GLE and S-ClassSee Mercedes-Benz keys →BMW1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series, X1, X3, X5, X6, Z4See BMW keys →AudiA3, A4, A5, A6, A8, TT, Q3, Q5, Q7See Audi keys →VolkswagenGolf, Polo, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, TouaregSee Volkswagen keys →Land RoverDiscovery 3, 4 & 5, Freelander 1 & 2, Evoque, Range Rover Sport, Vogue, VelarSee Land Rover keys →FordRanger, Everest, Fiesta, Focus, Kuga, Escape, EcoSport, Mondeo, Edge, Explorer, Mustang, TransitSee Ford keys →IsuzuD-Max, MU-XSee Isuzu keys →Hyundai & KiaHyundai Accent, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe · Kia Rio, SportageSee Hyundai keys →Volvo, Jeep, Peugeot & moreVolvo V40, S60, XC60, XC90 · Jeep Cherokee, Compass, Wrangler · Peugeot 206, 207, 308, 3008 · Porsche · Chevrolet · Mini CooperBrowse the shop →

Why drivers choose Carkey Masters

Car key specialistsKeys and car electronics are all we do, every day, at two Nairobi branches.
Dealer-level toolsProfessional key programming and diagnostic equipment for modern immobilisers.
We come to youLost all your keys? Our technician programs a new key where your car is.
Clear pricesWe tell you the price before we start any repair.
Quick turnaroundMost keys are cut and programmed in 30 to 60 minutes.
Rated by customers4.8★ on Google at Kiambu Road and 4.9★ at Westlands.

Visit a branch, or we come to you

Two branches in Nairobi, plus mobile key programming at your home, office or roadside.

Kiambu Road branch

CarKey Masters, Kiambu Road, Nairobi.
Phone: 0727 262605

Westlands branch

CarKey Masters, Museum Hill Centre, Muthithi Road, Westlands, Nairobi.
Phone: 0748 000444

Frequently asked questions

Can you replace just the key shell and keep my key?

Yes. We move your key's electronics and chip into a new shell and cut the blade to match your locks. Often this is much cheaper than a new key.

How do I know if my car key battery is dead?

The remote only works close to the car, buttons need several presses, or a push-start car shows a "key battery low" or "key not detected" warning. A new battery usually fixes it.

My remote stopped working after I changed the battery. What now?

Some remotes lose their pairing when the battery is changed, or the battery was fitted the wrong way. Bring the key and the car and we will test it and reprogram the remote if needed.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a car key?

A new shell, battery or buttons usually costs much less than a new key. If the circuit board is damaged or the repair would cost more than a new key, we tell you before we start.

Do you repair smart keys for push-start cars?

Yes. We replace smart key shells and batteries and repair buttons for push-start keys of all popular makes.

How long does a car key repair take?

Most shell, battery and button repairs are done while you wait. We tell you how long before we start.

Key giving you trouble?

Send us a photo of your key and your car's make, model and year. We will tell you what it needs and the price before we start.