Driving in Kenya: A Foreign Visitor's Guide (2026)
Kenya drives on the LEFT (steering wheel on the right), uses British-style road signs, and accepts a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign visitors. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on highways. Fuel is widely available in petrol (regular) and diesel. Always carry your IDP, passport, and rental papers — police checks are routine and friendly if your documents are in order.
Licence and paperwork
You need an International Driving Permit issued in your home country before you arrive — your home licence alone is not sufficient. The IDP must be paired with your original licence; police checks ask for both. Most rental owners on ICABS will refuse to release a vehicle without both.
Road rules and habits
Drive on the left, overtake on the right. Indicators are used — but Matatu (minibus) drivers and boda boda (motorcycle) riders treat them as suggestions. Expect to give way assertively at roundabouts; the car already in the circle has priority. Headlights on dipped beam after dusk and in heavy rain.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 110 km/h highway (dual carriageway).
- Seatbelts: mandatory for driver and front passenger; KES 500 spot fine if not worn.
- Mobile phones: hands-free only while driving. KES 2,000 fine.
- Drink driving: limit is 0.08 BAC. Police check. Don't risk it.
- Right of way: cars in roundabouts have priority. Pedestrians do NOT — be assertive but cautious.
Police checks and roadblocks
Routine police checks are common on highways and at city outskirts. They are professional and short. Roll down your window, greet the officer in English or Swahili ("Habari"), present your IDP, original licence, passport, and the rental document. 90% of stops end with a wave and "safe travels."
If an officer suggests a fine for an unclear offence, ask for the official receipt and the section of the Traffic Act. If they cannot provide it, politely insist on going to the nearest police station to resolve it. Never offer a bribe — it is illegal in Kenya and you risk a much larger problem.
Road conditions and fuel
The Mombasa–Nairobi highway (A8) and Nairobi–Naivasha–Nakuru highway (A104) are excellent dual carriageways. Rural roads vary from good tarmac to graded murram; rainy-season potholes are common. Off-tarmac inside national parks is rough — take a 4WD.
Petrol stations are widely available on highways and in towns. Major brands (Total, Shell, Rubis, Ola) accept Visa, Mastercard, M-Pesa and cash. In rural areas plan ahead — small towns may only have one petrol station and no diesel.
Frequently asked
Can I use my US, UK or EU licence directly in Kenya?
No. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country before arrival, paired with your original licence. The IDP is essentially a translation of your licence — Kenyan police and rental companies require it.
Are roads safe at night in Kenya?
Highway driving at night is not recommended outside cities — wandering livestock, unlit vehicles, and uneven shoulders are common hazards. Plan to arrive at your destination before 7 PM. Inside Nairobi and Mombasa, well-lit main roads are fine.
What about Maasai Mara, Amboseli or Tsavo park roads?
Inside national parks the roads are unpaved and rough — black-cotton mud in the wet season. A 4WD with high ground clearance is essential. 2WD vehicles often get stuck and lodges may not escort recovery for them.
About Wanjiru Kamau
Travel Editor, ICABS
Wanjiru covers Kenyan road trips, safari logistics and self-drive itineraries. She has driven the full A8 (Mombasa Road) and A104 (Naivasha–Mau Summit) routes more than 20 times each, and has self-driven the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo East circuits.