Driving in Kenya as a United Kingdom 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
Kenya requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in United Kingdom before departure.
How to get an IDPBoth United Kingdom and Kenya drive on the left. No adjustment needed.
United Kingdom uses mph, but Kenya uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Kenya | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Left-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | Yes | Yes |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 999 | Same |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Challenging | — |
Speed Limits in Kenya
Speed limits in Kenya are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Kenya
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — 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
Primary emergency number in Kenya. Save it before you drive.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Kenya Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Kenya.
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