Destinations / Kenya
Driving in Kenya as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is commonly requested for tourists driving in Kenya.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Kenya expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 or 112 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in KES. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Documents | Carry licence, IDP and passport. |
|---|---|
| Animals | Wildlife and pedestrians near roads. |
| Local practice | Police checkpoints are routine. |
On the road in Kenya
At the pump
Stations sell Super Petrol and Diesel (plus some kerosene), are attendant-served, and are widely available; as of mid-2026 Nairobi petrol is around KES 214/litre and diesel above KES 219/litre, payable by card, cash or M-Pesa.
After a crash
Call 999 or 112 for police and ambulance; report the accident and obtain an OB (Occurrence Book) number at the nearest police station, which insurers require, and never offer cash to officers as bribery is illegal.
Sources: icabs.co.ke · tollguru.com · globalpetrolprices.com · internationaldrivingpermit.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Kenya?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is commonly requested for tourists driving in Kenya.
Which translation format is used for Kenya?
Kenya uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Kenya ask for a translation?
Requested at rental desks; safari self-drive needs a 4x4.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Kenya?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.