Kenya Sends 30 km/h Speeders to Court (2026 Fines)

Kenya reserves its heaviest traffic penalty for speed: more than 30 km/h over the limit brings a fine of KES 50,000-100,000 and a court appearance rather than a roadside settlement. Traffic keeps to the left, motorways are capped at 110 km/h, rural roads at 100 and towns at 50, and the blood alcohol limit of 0.08% is looser than almost anywhere in Europe. A hand-held phone costs KES 10,000-20,000, and every car must carry a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

🛞 Check your car: Emission Zone Checker — instant verdict for 596 European emission zones, free.

Unlike neighboring Comoros, Kenya drives on the left — take extra care if crossing the border.

Emergency Numbers in Kenya

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 999 | Ambulance: 999 | Fire: 999

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Kenya, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Kenya

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Kenya are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, and 90 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Comoros (100 km/h), Zambia (100 km/h).

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Kenya escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: KES 10,000-20,000 (approx. EUR 70-140). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: KES 20,000-50,000 (approx. EUR 140-350). Over 20 km/h: KES 50,000-100,000 (approx. EUR 350-700) + court appearance or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: KES 10,000-20,000 (approx. EUR 70-140)
• Running a red light: KES 10,000-30,000 (approx. EUR 70-210)
• Seatbelt violation: KES 5,000-10,000 (approx. EUR 35-70)

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the left side of the road. Overtake on the right. At roundabouts, traffic flows clockwise — give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is KES 10,000-20,000 (approx. EUR 70-140). Use hands-free devices only.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Kenya is 0.08% BAC. This is higher than Eritrea (0.04% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Due to Kenya’s tropical climate, winter tyres are not required. Standard tyres suitable for wet and dry conditions are appropriate year-round.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Kenya.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Kenya guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Kenya must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Recommended:

• Reflective vest (high-visibility)

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in Kenya. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 3 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

IDP required or temporary Kenyan driving permit. Drives on the left.

Parking and Fuel

Parking rules vary by city. Look for designated parking areas and always check signs for time limits and payment requirements.

Current fuel prices in Kenya: petrol approximately $1.35/litre, diesel $1.22/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Kenya has a diverse terrain from coastal to highland. The main driving hazard is heavy rainfall — roads can flood quickly and visibility drops sharply during downpours. Reduce speed in rain and avoid crossing flooded sections. Road surfaces may deteriorate during the wet season.

Practical Driving Tips for Kenya

• If switching from right-hand traffic, concentrate on turns and roundabouts — these are where most mistakes happen.
• Download offline maps of Kenya before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.