Driving yourself in Kenya: the rules of the road

In Kenya, traffic flows on the left side of the road, so you drive on the left.

The Traffic Rules require drivers to keep to the left side of all roundabouts, unless a police officer or a traffic sign directs otherwise.

The legal maximum for motorcycles and cars, including hire cars, is 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 100 km/h on single-carriageway highways. Commercial vehicles, buses, matatus and other public service vehicles are limited to 80 km/h on any road.

Lower limits may be signed, for example in towns and on park roads. Follow the posted signs rather than the highway maximum.

The Kenya Tourism Board recommends carrying an international driving permit together with your valid home driving licence.

KenyaPlus doesn't hold the rule on how long a foreign licence is accepted. Ask your car-hire company what it requires before you book.

The Kenya Tourism Board advises watching out for pedestrians and livestock on the road, and avoiding driving at night.

Road conditions vary, so plan shorter driving days than the distance alone suggests. KenyaPlus road times are estimates and add an allowance for stops; the Trip Reality Check also tells you when to leave to reach park gates before they close.

A private vehicle with a valid international certificate for motor vehicles doesn't need Kenyan licensing for up to 90 days in total; for public service and commercial vehicles the limit is 30 days. After that it must be registered and licensed in Kenya or leave the country.