Driving in Kenya offers a unique experience, allowing you to explore the country's diverse landscapes and attractions at your own pace. However, it's essential to be well-prepared and informed about the local driving regulations and requirements.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the process of obtaining a driving license in Kenya, from meeting the initial age requirements to receiving your final driver's license. It also covers important aspects of driving in Kenya, such as road conditions, traffic laws, and safety tips.
Age Requirement
In Kenya, the process of obtaining a driving license starts with meeting age requirements. The minimum age to drive a car is 18 years old. For motorcycles, the minimum age is 16 years old.
Attending Driving School
Upon meeting the age requirement, one is then able to go to a driving school, after which you will receive a Certificate of Competence (CoC).
Provisional Driver License
The next step after completing driving school, the student is then able to enrol for a driving test at one of the national test centers spread across the country. The process of applying for a provisional driving license takes place online on the e-citizen portal.
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You should have by now create an account, but even if you don’t have an account, no worries, you can create an account by this time. You will then be asked to provide the following information:
- The Driving School where you attended theory course
- Your instructor's NTSA Number
- The Driving Licence Category you are looking at applying for
- Your address
You will pay the applicable fee and after submitting and paying the fee, you will be able to print your provisional license. You have CoC for completing road safety theory courses.
Booking a Driving Test
You have a provisional driving license and are ready to take the driving test, then what? After finishing a driving school, one can book a driving test with NTSA. Driving tests are administered across the country through different testing units.
The tests are typically practical in nature ensuring that the student is safe and can operate the vehicle on public roadways without endangering other drivers and cause havoc and accidents. Upon passing the test one will be issued a Certificate of Competence for passing the driving test.
The Certificate of Competence is valid for three months after which the driver may have to retake the test. After three months the licensing authority will at his/her discretion decide whether to retake the test or approve moving forward with a driving license application.
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Application for a Driver’s License
One is eligible of applying for a driver’s license upon passing the driving test. The entire process is completed online through the e-citizen portal. Go to the NTSA space and apply for a driving license.
Interim Driver License, then Final Driver’s License
Upon submitting the application and paying the fees you will be able to print an interim driver’s license that is valid for three months whereby your actual driver license will be issued within 14 working days. In Kenya the Driver’s License is valid for either one year or three years.
While applying for a driver’s license for the first time or renewing, you will have an option to choose either one year or three year valid. The difference being the cost.
To drive passengers for a living on public roads in Kenya, you need a valid driving license. Licenses are available for 12 months or 3 years and can be applied for through the e-citizen platform using the NTSA portal.
Requirements and Costs:
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- Proof of competency from a driving school
- 1-year renewal: KES 1,050
- 3-year smart DL: KES 3,050
- New drivers must pay for a smart DL
Driving Regulations and Safety
Driving in Kenya is not for the faint-hearted. Although driving through Kenya at one’s own pace and taking in the scenery is a nice idea, the fact is that many roads are in poor condition. They are often potholed and badly maintained, although a revamping of the road network is currently underway and new roads are in better shape.
New arrivals will also find that many road users drive aggressively and recklessly, so expats are advised to exercise caution when driving and crossing roads in Kenya.
Here are some key regulations and safety tips to keep in mind:
- People drive on the left side of the road.
- Kenya does have a national seat belt law. We recommend always wearing a seat belt if it is available.
- Kenya does have a national law prohibiting mobile phone use while driving. Using a hands-free device is permitted.
- Kenya does have a national law requiring the use of helmets when on motorcycle or scooter. This applies to both drivers and passengers.
- Legal Blood Alcohol Content Level: 0.08%.
Speed Limits:
- 80 km/hour on highways.
- 40 km/hour when driving through towns.
- 35 km/hour inside the National Parks.
Traffic police in Kenya are very strict about speed limits. To comply with the law, our Land Cruisers are restricted to 80 km/h.
Here’s a summary of important driving regulations in Kenya:
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Driving Age | 18 years for cars, 16 years for motorcycles |
| Side of the Road | Left |
| Seat Belt Law | Yes, mandatory |
| Mobile Phone Use | Prohibited without hands-free device |
| Helmet Law | Mandatory for motorcycle drivers and passengers |
| Legal Blood Alcohol Content | 0.08% |
Driving License for Newcomers
Newcomers to Kenya can use their foreign or international driver’s licence for up to three months. Staff members are encouraged to apply for a local driver’s licence through the UN Host Country Services Unit (HCSU) to comply with the local driving requirements. The driver’s licence is issued for a fee of KSh700 (US$7).
Kenyan driving licences can be issued to holders of international or national driving licences from most countries, upon the completion of Form VII and its accompanying documentation.
Because it is difficult to obtain a Kenyan driving licence, staff members are advised to ensure that they, their spouse and any dependant 18 years of age or older travel to Kenya with valid driving licences. National driving licences which are not in English must be translated and certified by their respective Embassy.
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Road Conditions and Safety Tips
Driving in Kenya offers both smooth highways and rugged dirt roads. Here are some tips to navigate the roads safely:
- Primary roads: The main roads leading to and from Nairobi are well-paved and comfortable to drive. However, keep in mind that the A109 highway between Nairobi and Mombasa is busy with cars, buses, and slow-moving trucks.
- Secondary roads: Secondary roads (marked as C and D) are usually unpaved and may have potholes or eroded surfaces.
- Inside national parks: Inside the parks, you'll mostly drive on dirt tracks. Road conditions vary with the seasons and are at their worst during the rainy season.
Stay safe and plan ahead: Avoid shortcuts on secondary routes - they are often in bad condition. If you're unsure which route to take: don’t experiment but contact the Roadtrip Africa team in Nairobi for advice.
Safety tips in towns: Lock your car while driving in Nairobi, Mombasa, or other large towns. Also, keep in mind to never leave valuables unattended and always park in secure areas.
Avoid night driving: Driving at night is risky due to poor visibility of potholes and oncoming traffic with high beams.
International Driving Permit
No, you don't need an international driver's license in Kenya. Your valid license from your home country is sufficient.
Applying for an International Driver's License (IDL) is a straightforward process that allows you to legally drive in foreign countries.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining an International Driver's License.
- Pay Fees: Pay the required fees for processing your IDL application.
- Remember to carry both your international driving permit and your original driver's license whenever you're behind the wheel.
- Double-check that your details match those on your valid driver's license to avoid any discrepancies.
The Automobile Association of Kenya (AA) can help with acquiring and renewing international driving licences, as well as getting a Kenyan driving licence after successfully completing a driving examination.
Renting a Car
Those who do decide to drive in Kenya will find that most global car rental companies have branches in Nairobi and Mombasa. There are smaller companies that offer more competitive rates, but these are unlikely to offer a full back-up network in the event of a breakdown, unlike large firms such as Avis or Sixt.
Many car rental companies in Kenya offer the option to hire a car with a driver. Expats who are settled in Kenya tend to buy a car and hire a driver. Expats who want to travel off the beaten track should look at buying or hiring a 4×4, as these are better equipped to deal with dirt roads. Furthermore, road signage is Kenya is very poor, so expats should ensure they have a good map or GPS system.
Major rental players: Avis, Europcar, and local firms like Kenya Car Hire and RoadTrip Africa.
Crossing Borders with a Rental Car
You can’t cross borders with our Kenya-registered vehicles. But we make it easy to combine Kenya with Tanzania or Uganda in one trip.
If you want to visit both countries, you’ll need two separate vehicles; one from our Nairobi branch and one from our Tanzania branch in Arusha. This is due to ongoing trade disputes between the two countries.
- Rent a 4x4 from our Uganda branch in Kampala.
- Explore Kenya with a Kenyan vehicle and Uganda with our Ugandan-registered vehicle. Swap cars at the border with our team’s assistance.
If you want to do an East Africa road trip, rent from our Uganda branch in Kampala.
Insurance
Yes, our car rental in Kenya includes insurance. Our standard insurance has a maximum deductible of €1500. Our full terms & conditions are included in the car rental agreement.
Telecom Provider
Before you start your roadtrip, make sure you get a SIM card and load it with sufficient data for internet and phone calls. If you’ve rented your car with us, our team is happy to assist you.
Safaricom offers the best coverage in Kenya. Besides Google Maps, we strongly recommend that you install Maps.me on your smartphone before travelling to Kenya. It's a free app that allows you to use GPS offline.
When using navigation apps, increase the suggested travel time by about 30%. Kenya’s road conditions and traffic can slow you down. For more details, check out our driving times & distances table.
Breakdowns and Accidents
Our fleet of second-hand Land Cruisers is well-maintained and carefully checked before every trip. However, driving on Kenya’s rugged roads can sometimes lead to unexpected issues.
Although we can only affect the first of these events, we will help you to the best of our abilities, regardless of the reason for your breakdown.
Preventing issues: In our ten years of experience, we learned that many breakdowns on self-drive trips are caused by driving behaviour - often infused by jam-packed itineraries leading to long driving days and speeding or fatigue. Hence, our most important piece of advice: make sure your travel plan is not too ambitious.
Accidents or breakdowns: Contact our Kenya office immediately.
Self-Drive Trip Considerations
Is a self-drive trip right for you? Ask yourself: can I stay calm in unexpected situations like a flat tyre, mud, or delays? If not, a self-drive trip might not be the best choice. For more details, check our Terms & Conditions or contact us anytime.
If you prefer not to drive yourself, hiring a local driver-guide is a fantastic option.
Dealing with Officials
Advice that comes in handy when dealing with any kind of government official in Kenya is to be respectful, remain patient and stay friendly. Or to check on your driver's license.
If you’re fined for an offence (like speeding or overtaking dangerously), the fine must be paid via bank deposit.
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