Driving in Kenya as a China National

Kenya offers safari self-drive and the Great Rift Valley, but left-hand driving, Nairobi traffic, matatu minibuses, wildlife on roads, and unpaved park roads require experience and caution.

Key Things to Know First

IDP Required

Kenya requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in China before departure.

How to get an IDP

Drive on the Left — You Are Switching Sides

China drives on the right, but Kenya drives on the left. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.

Tips for switching sides

Side-by-Side Comparison

Rule	China	Kenya	Change?
Traffic side	Right-hand traffic	Left-hand traffic	Yes
Speed unit	km/h	km/h	Same
IDP required	—	Yes	Yes
Min. driving age	18	18	Same
Emergency number	110	999	Different
Road difficulty	Challenging	Challenging	—

Speed Limits in Kenya

Urban

50 km/h

Rural / Open road

80 km/h

Highway / Motorway

100-110 km/h

Documents to Carry in Kenya

Original driving licence from China — must be valid and unexpired
International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in Kenya. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Kenya before departure
Vehicle registration / rental agreement

Emergency Number in Kenya

999

Primary emergency number in Kenya. Save it before you drive.

Emergency numbers for all countries

Full Kenya Driving Guide

Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Kenya.

Read the complete guide