Destinations / Kenya
Driving in Kenya as a visitor
Usually yes. Kenya expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Kenya expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Kenya expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Kenya accept?
Kenya recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Kenya ask for one?
Requested at rental desks; safari self-drive needs a 4x4.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.