Driving in Kenya as a Foreigner: Rules, Tips & What to Expect

Self-driving in Kenya is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country — but only if you know what you're walking into. After years of helping foreign clients hit the road, here are the things we wish every visitor knew before turning the key.

What licence do you need?

Kenya recognises foreign driving licences for up to 90 days, provided they're in English (or accompanied by an official translation) and you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get the IDP in your home country before flying out — they cannot be issued locally.

You must be 23 or older to rent most cars, 25+ for SUVs and Land Cruisers. Carry your passport, IDP and original licence whenever you're behind the wheel. Police can ask for all three.

Driving on the left

Kenya drives on the left side of the road, British-style. Most rental cars are right-hand drive (steering wheel on the right). If you've only ever driven on the right, give yourself the first day to adjust — quiet residential streets, not Mombasa Road. The wipers and indicators are usually swapped from what you're used to. Expect to flick the wipers on at every junction for the first hour.

Speed limits

Standard limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on undivided rural roads, 110 km/h on highways like the Nairobi-Mombasa Road and the new Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. Speed cameras and speed bumps ("rumble strips") are common — slow down well before towns, the bumps come up fast and they will damage a low car at speed.

Police checkpoints

You will be stopped at police checkpoints on highways. This is normal and not a sign of trouble. Pull over calmly, lower your window, and have your IDP, passport and rental agreement ready. Be polite, answer questions briefly. The vast majority of stops are 30-second courtesy checks.

If an officer suggests "something for tea/lunch" — that's a bribe request. You're not obligated to pay. A friendly "I don't have any cash on me, but is there a fine I can pay at the station?" usually ends it. We give every renter our 24/7 hotline; call us if you need help.

Fuel

All petrol stations sell Super Petrol (95 octane), Diesel, and increasingly E10 Premium. Most rental cars take Super Petrol. Stations are everywhere on highways but thin on rural routes — fill up before leaving Nairobi for the Mara. Total, Shell, Rubis and OilLibya are reliable national chains.

Pay attendants directly with M-Pesa (most common), cash KES, or card at major stations. Get a receipt — useful for expense claims and to prove you didn't underfill the tank when returning.

Parking

Nairobi street parking is paid via the eJiji app or M-Pesa to a posted till number. KES 100-300/hour depending on zone. Mall and hotel parking is usually free. Never leave valuables visible in the car — Kenyan cities have low car-theft but high break-in rates.

What surprises foreign drivers most

• Matatus (minibus taxis) — they will overtake on blind corners, stop without warning, and treat indicators as decorative. Give them space.
• Boda bodas (motorcycles) — they appear from nowhere and will pass you on either side. Check mirrors twice before changing lanes.
• Speed bumps without warning — particularly on rural roads. Approach every village at 30 km/h.
• Roundabouts — give way to traffic already inside.
• Driving at night — avoid if possible outside Nairobi. Trucks without rear lights, livestock on roads, and pedestrians in dark clothing are real hazards.

What about safety?

Highway driving in Kenya during daylight hours is no more dangerous than driving in southern Europe. Risks rise sharply at night and in unfamiliar urban areas. Stick to main roads, don't pick up strangers, and keep doors locked in slow-moving traffic. Carjackings are rare in 2025 but not unheard of in specific Nairobi neighbourhoods late at night.

Bottom line

Tens of thousands of foreigners self-drive in Kenya every year without incident. Get the IDP, drive defensively, fuel up before long stretches, stay off the roads after dark when you can, and you'll have one of the best trips of your life.