Lost your only car key in Nairobi? Don’t panic. You do not need the old key to get a new one. A car key specialist can cut and program a brand-new key for your car, usually while you wait, and make sure the lost key can no longer start it. This guide explains what to do first, how lost car key replacement works, and what it costs.
Need help right now? See our car key replacement service and prices →
What to do in the first hour
- Retrace your steps. Check your pockets, bag, office, the matatu or taxi you used, the petrol station, shop or restaurant you visited. Call them. Many lost keys turn up this way.
- Don’t force the car open. Breaking a window or forcing the lock costs far more than a new key. A car key specialist can open the car without damage.
- If you think the key was stolen, report it to the police and tell your insurer. Then ask for the lost key to be erased from the car’s memory, so it can no longer start your car.
- Find your logbook and ID. Any honest key specialist will ask for proof that the car is yours before making a new key.
- Call a car key specialist. Tell them the make, model and year of the car, and whether it uses a normal key, a remote key or a push-to-start smart key.
Do I have to go to the dealer?
No. Dealers often need to order a key from abroad, which can take days or weeks and costs a lot more. At Carkey Masters we cut and program new keys in Nairobi, at our shop or at your location, using the right equipment for each car make.
How lost car key replacement works
- We check ownership using your logbook and ID.
- We come to you, or you bring the car to our Kiambu Road or Westlands branch.
- We cut a new key blade to match your locks and ignition (not needed for push-to-start cars).
- We program the new key to your car’s immobilizer, so the engine will start.
- We erase the lost key from the car, so whoever finds it cannot use it.
- We test everything: starting, locking, unlocking and the boot button.
How much does lost car key replacement cost in Nairobi?
The price depends on the make, the model and the type of key. As a guide, for an all-keys-lost job within 8 km of our branches:
- Mechanical or transponder key: from KSh 3,500
- Remote or smart (push-to-start) key: from KSh 7,500
Further away, the price depends on your location. If you still have one working key, a spare copy costs much less, from KSh 500. See our full car key price list.
Lost keys for all popular car makes
We replace lost keys for Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Land Rover, Range Rover, Volvo, Lexus and more, including smart keys for cars like the Toyota Prado, Harrier and Land Cruiser, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester. Not sure about your car? Check our car key page or send us a WhatsApp message with the make, model and year.
Lost key for an Audi, VW, Porsche, Land Rover or Volvo?
European cars use advanced keys and stronger security, and many owners think only the dealer can replace them. We replace lost keys for these makes in Nairobi, including keyless entry and push-to-start smart keys:
- Audi: A3, A4, A6, Q3, Q5, Q7 and more
- Volkswagen (VW): Golf, Polo, Passat, Tiguan, Touareg and more
- Porsche: Cayenne, Macan, Panamera and more
- Land Rover and Range Rover: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Evoque, Velar, Discovery and Defender
- Volvo: XC40, XC60, XC90, S60, S90 and more
These cars can take longer than most Japanese cars, and the price depends on the model and year. Send us the make, model and year on WhatsApp (0727 262605) and we will confirm the price and time before we start. See our car key replacement service.
Lost your key after working hours?
Our branches are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. If you are stuck after hours or on a Sunday, call 0727 262605 for emergency help.
Avoid it next time: get a spare key
Replacing a key when all keys are lost costs several times more than copying one you still have. If you only have one key today, a spare from KSh 500 is the cheapest insurance you can buy. Get a spare car key.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a new car key without the original?
Yes. We cut and program a new key even when every key is lost.
Will my lost key still start the car?
Not after we erase it. When we program your new key, we remove the lost one from the car’s memory.
How long does it take?
Most cars are done while you wait. Some European cars and smart keys can take longer; we will tell you before we start.
What do I need to show?
Your car’s logbook and your ID, so we know the car is yours.
Can you replace a lost key for an Audi, VW, Porsche, Land Rover or Volvo?
Yes. We replace lost keys for Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Land Rover, Range Rover and Volvo, including smart keys. We confirm the price and time once we know the model and year.
Do you come to me?
Yes. Our mobile technicians cover Nairobi and Kiambu.
Lost your car key? Talk to us
Call 0727 262605 or WhatsApp us
- Kiambu Road branch: next to Mogra Children’s Home, just after AAR Hospital. Call 0727 262605. Get directions →
- Westlands branch: Museum Hill Centre, 87 Muthithi Road (the gate is on Muthithi Road). Call 0748 000444. Get directions →
