Kenya car rentals

Intermediate (Toyota Corolla Wagon or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Kenya.

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Road conditions in Kenya can vary wildly, and speeding is common. Other things to watch out for include wildlife, people crossing the highway at unmarked points, potholes, loose road surfaces, and mechanical breakdowns (which may require a long wait at the side of the road). Driving in Kenya is on the left, and it is recommended to maintain a defensive driving approach, lock all doors, and never travel after dark.

Most car agencies require drivers to be at least 23 to 25 years old to rent a car in Kenya, with an upper limit of 70 to 75 years usually in place. Some, like Avis, request that drivers have held a valid license for at least two years. In general, a domestic driver’s license will be accepted to rent a car in Kenya, though a few agencies may insist on an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). It is important to always travel with your rental documents, driving license, and passport on hand.

Petrol prices in Kenya tend to hover around 111-131 KES (1.10-1.30 USD) per liter or 4.15-4.90 USD per gallon, larger vehicles like four-wheel drives costing a considerable amount to fill up. Outside of cities, petrol stations can be extremely sparse—often hundreds of miles apart—so it is best to fill up whenever possible, carry a can of spare fuel, and always make sure you know where the next petrol station is located.

The speed limit system in Kenya is quite straightforward, with a maximum limit of 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns and cities and 110 km/h (68 mph) on highways. Speed bumps are common in both urban and rural areas, and they are rarely marked. Both speeders and wild animals on the road are unfortunately very regular occurrences in Kenya, so it is wise to maintain a low speed and drive cautiously.