The Automobile Association of Kenya (AA Kenya) has launched a redesigned International Driving Permit (IDP) to combat rising fraud and improve the mobility of Kenyan drivers abroad.
The new IDP features a passport-style design and incorporates advanced security elements, including digital verification technology that allows instant global authentication.
AA Kenya introduced the updated permit in response to growing concerns over counterfeit documents, which had resulted in Kenyan motorists being detained overseas.
The IDP enables holders to drive in more than 150 countries without needing to pass local driving tests or obtain foreign licences, making it valuable for work, study, and travel. The new design also helps expand employment opportunities for Kenyan drivers in previously restricted regions.
AA Kenya is encouraging the country’s more than five million licensed drivers to convert their local licences into the internationally recognised permit. The annual fee is Ksh12,000, though certain membership categories may qualify for reduced or waived fees.
To be eligible for the IDP, applicants must hold a valid driving licence issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), have at least two years of driving experience, and be aged 18 or older. Those granted the permit must carry both the IDP and their original Kenyan licence while driving abroad.
Required documentation includes a completed application form, two signed passport photos, a copy of the driving licence, and proof of national identification or a passport. Applications can be submitted online or at AA Kenya branches nationwide.
In addition to its primary function, the IDP serves as a translation of the Kenyan driving licence, making it easier for foreign authorities, rental agencies, and border officials to verify a driver’s credentials.
