What You Need to Know About Hiring a Car in Kenya with an International Driver’s License

February 5, 2026 By Car Hire Updates No Comments

Hiring a car in Kenya offers freedom to explore Nairobi, national parks, coastal beaches, and beyond. For international visitors, an International Driver’s License (also called International Driving Permit or IDP) plays a key role in smooth rentals and legal driving.

Kenyan law allows foreigners to drive with a valid home-country license for up to 90 days (or 3 months) after arrival. If your license is in English, many accept it alone for short tourist stays. However, if not in English—or to avoid issues with police checks—an IDP is strongly recommended or required by most car hire companies, including Teko Car Hire Services.

The IDP translates your domestic license into multiple languages, making it easier for authorities and rental firms to verify. It must accompany your original license at all times. Validity typically lasts 1 year (or up to 3 years depending on the issuing body), but never exceeds your home license expiry.

Key requirements for hiring a car in Kenya:

  • Valid home-country driver’s license (held for at least 1–2 years, depending on company).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) – highly recommended; often mandatory for non-English licenses.
  • Passport (original, for ID and visa verification).
  • Credit/debit card for payment and security deposit (usually KES 50,000–150,000 hold, refundable).
  • Minimum age: 23–25 years (varies by provider; some add young driver fees).
  • Proof of insurance: Third-party is mandatory; comprehensive often included or optional.

At Teko Car Hire Services, we accept IDPs alongside your national license for seamless self-drive rentals. Bring originals—copies rarely suffice. Police checkpoints are common; always carry documents to avoid fines.

Driving tips for foreigners:

  • Drive on the left.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100–110 km/h highways.
  • Seatbelts compulsory; zero tolerance for drink-driving.
  • Roads vary—potholes common outside cities; 4×4 recommended for safaris/off-road.
  • Fuel policy: Full-to-full standard.
  • Avoid night driving due to poor lighting and hazards.

Popular rental choices: Saloons for city, SUVs/4x4s for safaris, vans for groups. Book in advance, especially peak seasons (July–October, December–January). Airport pickups (JKIA) convenient.

An IDP ensures hassle-free experience. Apply before travel via your home country’s auto association (e.g., AAA in US, AA in UK). In Kenya, locals get IDPs from AA Kenya for outbound travel.

Hiring with proper docs avoids delays, fines, or denied rentals. At Teko Car Hire Services, we prioritize safe, reliable vehicles and clear terms—contact us at teko.co.ke for quotes or advice.

Safe journeys across Kenya!

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