Driving without a driving licence: what the law says
Traffic Act · sources read 2 Oct 2026
You may not drive any motor vehicle on a road without a valid driving licence (or provisional licence) for that class. A first conviction can mean a fine of up to KSh 20,000 or up to 3 months in jail; after that, up to KSh 30,000 or 6 months, or both.
- Where
- NTSA for licences and renewals; police on the road; the courts for charges
Steps
- Carry your driving licence (or provisional licence) whenever you drive.
- If a police officer asks, show the licence so they can examine it. Other evidence that satisfies the police that you are licensed also counts.
- Renew your licence when it expires. A licence is issued or renewed on payment of the prescribed fee and can be valid for three years.
- If you own a car or boda boda, only let someone drive it if they hold a valid driving licence for that class.
Watch out
- A licence for the wrong class does not count. Driving a class you are not endorsed for carries an instant fine of KSh 3,000.
- An expired licence is an offence too: failing to renew has an instant fine of KSh 1,000.
- Not carrying or not showing your licence is a separate offence, with a fine of up to KSh 10,000 in court (instant fine KSh 1,000).
Who this covers
- Anyone who drives a motor vehicle of any class on a road, including motorcycles.
- Owners and anyone in charge of a vehicle, who must not let an unlicensed person drive it.
Official sources (2)
- Traffic Act (Cap. 403) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- The Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules (L.N. 161 of 2016) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026