Driving in Kenya: tips and information

Covered in this section: 

1. What are the road conditions for driving in Kenya?
2. Do I need an international driving license in Kenya?
3. At what side of the road should I drive in Kenya?
4. Is it safe to drive in Kenya?
5. What are the speed limits in Kenya?
6. Can I cross the border from Kenya to Tanzania or Uganda?
7. Is insurance included with my car rental in Kenya?
8. Which Telecom providor to use in Kenya?
9. How does it work with navigation in Kenya?
10. What happens if I get a breakdown or accident while driving in Kenya?
11. Where can I rent a driver in Kenya?
12. How do I deal with traffic police in Kenya?
13. Where can I rent a car in Kenya?

What are the road conditions for driving in Kenya?

Driving in Kenya offers both smooth highways ánd rugged dirt roads. Here’s what you need to know to plan your route safely and avoid surprises.

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. Construction work is common here, which can cause delays.

Secondary roads

Secondary roads (marked as C and D) are usually unpaved and may have potholes or eroded surfaces. Usually, you can expect the last stretch of your daily trip to require some driving on these dirt roads. 

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. Prepare for some off-road challenges, especially after heavy rains.

Roads to avoid

The below roads are currently in a bad state and should be avoided when driving in Kenya:

• Amboseli Route (C103): Avoid this deteriorated road branching from Athi River towards Namanga. Instead, take the Nairobi-Mombasa highway (A109), turn off at Emali, and follow the well-maintained C102 to Kimana and the Kimana Gate.

• Masai Mara via Maji Moto (C11): Stick to the tarmacked C12 route to Sekenani Gate, then follow the signpost to Maji Moto Eco Camp. Avoid the rough C11 road, as it can damage your vehicle and increase travel time.

• Masai Mara - Oloololo Gate (C13): The C13 road to Oloololo Gate and nearby Mara gates is in bad shape and not recommended.

• Mombasa Shortcut (C107): Don’t use the C107 from Mariakani to Kinango as an alternative to bypass Mombasa. This road is poorly maintained and not a viable option.

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. We’re available 24/7 via WhatsApp to help you choose the best and safest routes. Your safety and smooth travel experience are our top priorities!

Do I need an international driving license in Kenya?

No, you don't need an international driver's license in Kenya. Your valid license from your home country is sufficient. Make sure to always carry your driver's license with you when driving. 

At what side of the road should I drive in Kenya?

Left. Driving in Kenya is done on the left side of the road. 

Is it safe to drive in Kenya?

Driving in Kenya is an unforgettable adventure! With the right preparation and caution, it can be safe and enjoyable. Follow these tips to stay safe on the road:

• Drive defensively: Take your time and go with the traffic flow. The A109 highway between Nairobi and Mombasa can get busy with trucks and has potholes, making overtaking risky. Stay patient and avoid rushing.

• Watch for speed bumps: Unmarked speed bumps are common, especially near town entrances. Slow down to avoid surprises.

• Beware of potholes: Potholes can damage your car or cause a flat tyre, so keep an eye out and drive cautiously.

• Stay connected: Buy a local SIM card with internet access to use Google Maps and contact us via WhatsApp if needed. Safaricom offers the best coverage in Kenya. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or shopping malls.

• 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. If staying overnight, choose accommodations with safe parking.

• Avoid night driving: Driving at night is risky due to poor visibility of potholes and oncoming traffic with high beams. It’s best to travel during the day.

• Be prepared: Carry some cash, water, and a fully charged mobile phone for emergencies.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and smooth driving experience in Kenya.

Not comfortable driving yourself? No problem, just book a car with a knowledgeable driver-guide! Let them handle the roads while you sit back, relax, and soak in Kenya’s stunning scenery.

What are the speed limits in Kenya?

• 80 km/hour on highways. In Kenya, Landcruisers are classified as heavy-duty vehicles due to their longer braking distance. As a result, they are not allowed to exceed 80 km/h on highways.

• 40 km/hour when driving through towns. Note that the main highways also pass through towns, so make sure to reduce your speed. 

• 35 km/hour inside the National Parks. Depending on the various tracks.

Traffic police in Kenya are very strict about speed limits. To comply with the law, our Landcruisers are restricted to 80 km/h. Keep this in mind, especially when overtaking on the highway.

Can I cross the border from Kenya to Tanzania or Uganda?

Yes, you can cross the border into Tanzania or Uganda with our rental cars - but only with prior approval. Here’s what you need to know:

Border crossing guidelines

• Let us know in advance if you plan to cross the border. We’ll arrange a COMESA card, an extension of the vehicle’s insurance, which is required for multi-country road trips.

• You can select the COMESA card option in our booking form. Without our approval, border crossings are not allowed, and your vehicle will not be insured for any damage.

• Border crossings to other African countries are not permitted.

Border crossings to Uganda - Non-Ugandan registered cars incur a $150 fee to enter national parks. In comparison, Ugandan vehicles pay UGX 30,000. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.

Border crossings to Tanzania - Unfortunately, Kenyan-registered vehicles are increasingly being denied entry at Tanzania's national parks. Rules change unpredictably and are often left to the discretion of park rangers. To avoid frustration, we no longer allow vehicles from our Kenya branch to enter Tanzania’s parks. Instead, we’ll help you swap vehicles and rent a car from our Tanzania branch.

For tips on combining Kenya (Masai Mara) and Tanzania (Serengeti) in one trip, check out our Travel Blog! We’ve got plenty of advice to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Is insurance included with my car rental in Kenya?

Yes, all our rental cars in Kenya come with comprehensive insurance. This covers damage from accidents or fire and includes third-party liability in case of a car accident.

What’s covered?

• Comprehensive damage to the rental car (excluding tyres, underbody, and windows)

• Third-party property damage

• Maximum deductible: €250

What’s not covered?

• Personal injury or loss of possessions - these fall under your personal medical or travel insurance.

• Damage caused by:

• Driving over the speed limit

• Single-vehicle rollovers (considered reckless driving)

• Neglecting proper care or maintenance of the vehicle

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Using the car on restricted roads or in prohibited areas

Our full terms & conditions are included in the car rental agreement. You can also consult them here. 

Which Telecom providor to use in Kenya?

Kenya has several mobile network providers, but Safaricom offers the best coverage across the country.

Before you start your roadtrip, make sure you get a SIM card and load it with sufficient data for internet and phone calls. You can easily obtain a SIM card by bringing your passport to the Telecom company's service centre of your choice. 

If you’ve rented your car with us, our team is happy to assist you. Whether we’re meeting you at the airport or your lodge, we’ll explain where and how to buy a SIM card to keep you connected on your journey.

How does it work with navigation in Kenya?

All our rental vehicles come with a detailed road map of Kenya to help you plan your route.

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. We also recommend downloading the app iOverlander, which includes almost every campsite in the country.

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.

What happens if I get a breakdown or accident while driving in Kenya?

Our fleet of second-hand Landcruisers is well-maintained and carefully checked before every trip. However, driving on Kenya’s rugged roads can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. Here’s what you need to know:

Why breakdowns happen

Breakdowns can occur due to:

• Road conditions (potholes, speed bumps, mud, dust)

• Driving behaviour (speeding, fatigue)

• Bad luck

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. Our team is very experienced in troubleshooting along the way but keep in mind that cooperation, flexibility, and patience from your end are key to resolving issues quickly too.

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. Prevention is better than troubleshooting.

What we do to help

• Minor issues: We’ll connect you with our network of bush mechanics for quick, on-the-spot fixes.

• Major issues: If the car cannot be repaired within 24 hours, we’ll provide a replacement vehicle so you can continue your trip.

• Accidents or breakdowns: Contact our Kenya office immediately. We’re available 24/7 to guide and assist you.

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. Kenya’s roads can be unpredictable, and flexibility is essential.

For more details, check our Terms & Conditions or contact us anytime. We’re here to ensure your trip is as smooth as possible!

Where can I rent a driver in Kenya?

If you prefer not to drive yourself, hiring a local driver-guide is a fantastic option. At Roadtrip Africa, we can arrange a knowledgeable and friendly driver to accompany you on your road trip.

Why hire a driver-guide?

• Local expertise: Your driver knows Kenya’s roads, culture, and hidden gems, making your trip stress-free and enriching.

• Flexible itinerary: You stay in control of your holiday plans while your driver handles the logistics and driving.

• Affordable rates: A driver costs just €40/day, giving you peace of mind and extra comfort.

Hiring a driver is simple - just let us know during your booking, and we’ll take care of the rest! 

How do I deal with traffic police in Kenya?

Advice that comes in handy when dealing with any kind of government official in Kenya is to be respectful, remain patient and stay friendly. Greet them in Swahili (jambo!) make a joke, and you will be guaranteed a new friend.

Traffic police can pull you over to check:

• If your car is insured;

• If the tyres are in good condition;

• Or to check on your driver's license. Any valid driving license (even from your own country of residence) is accepted in Kenya.

If you’re fined for an offence (like speeding or overtaking dangerously), the fine must be paid via bank deposit. If this happens, don’t worry - contact our team at the Roadtrip Africa office in Nairobi and we’ll assist you.

Where can I rent a car in Kenya?

Excited to start your road trip in Kenya? At Roadtrip Africa, we’re here to help you find the perfect vehicle for your adventure.

Why choose Roadtrip Africa?

• Reliable 4WD fleet: Our vehicles are sturdy, widely trusted, and ideal for Kenya’s roads.

• No third parties: We own all our cars, ensuring top quality, 24/7 roadside assistance and no fuss.

• Years of experience: We are adventure travellers ourselves, and have a knowledgeable, local team on the ground to guide you.

Ready to go?

Book your 4WD car today and get ready to explore Kenya at your own pace!