Renting a car in Kenya: the complete guide

What you need before you book

AutoGo verifies every renter before the first trip. Have these ready so approval takes minutes, not days.

• A valid Kenyan driving licence (smart DL or interim licence) — or a foreign licence plus an International Driving Permit.
• Your national ID or passport number for identity verification.
• An M-Pesa number or card for payment and the refundable security deposit.
• Minimum age is 23 for standard vehicles and 25 for premium and 4x4 categories.

Deposits and payments

Payment is held securely until the trip starts. M-Pesa, card and AutoGo Wallet are supported; the security deposit is separate from the rental price and is released after the return inspection clears.

Cross-border travel to Uganda or Tanzania needs written host approval and a COMESA yellow card before departure.

Fuel, mileage and tolls

Most Kenyan listings use a like-for-like fuel policy: return the vehicle with the same fuel level you received. The pickup inspection records the gauge reading and photos, so keep your receipt from the last fill-up.

• Daily mileage caps are shown on the listing; extra kilometres are billed at the host rate.
• Nairobi Expressway and other tolls are the renter’s cost unless the listing says otherwise.
• Parking fines and speed penalties remain with the driver on record.

Pickup and return inspection

Both you and the host complete a photo inspection in the app. Capture all four sides, the interior, the fuel gauge and the odometer. This is your protection against later damage claims.