First Day Abroad

Driving in Kenya: licence, roads and tolls

Part of the Kenya arrival guide.

This information may change. Always check the official source.Last verified: August 2026 by

Driving in Kenya: the three basics

Drives on the
left

The driver sits on the right and overtakes on the right. Roundabouts turn clockwise.

Your licence
Licence plus an IDP

Your own licence works with an International Driving Permit beside it. Get the permit at home before you fly - no country issues one for another country's licence.

Motorways
Tolls by distance

Motorways charge for the distance driven, at barriers or by camera. Budget for it on a long drive; it is rarely trivial.

Kenya drives on the left, the Nairobi Expressway is the one toll, and matatus define how the traffic behaves.

Left-hand traffic, one tolled expressway, and minibuses that stop wherever they like.

  • The Nairobi Expressway is tolled and saves an hour between the airport and Westlands at rush hour; everything else is free.
  • Matatus stop without warning in the left lane and overtake on the verge. Defensive driving here mostly means watching them.
  • The alcohol limit is 0.08 % and police checkpoints are frequent, particularly at night.
  • Night driving between towns is avoided by residents: unlit trucks, potholes and livestock.
  • Safari parks need a 4x4 and most visitors travel in a guide's vehicle, which also handles the park regulations and the radio network.
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Sources (1)

What this guide was checked against. Rules and prices change — follow the official link before you rely on a detail.