Do you need an International Driving Permit in Kenya?

Kenya and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Kenya

Kenya applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Kenya

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Kenya

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Kenya, for stays of up to 90 days.

Emergency services

general 999, police 999, ambulance 999, fire 999

The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Kenya, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Kenya

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Kenya?

Up to 3 years. Kenya joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 9 September 2009 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Kenya on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence in Kenya for up to 3 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Kenya's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Kenya?

Reach general on 999, police on 999, ambulance on 999, fire on 999. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Kenya. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Kenya?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.