By Timothy Albrite
AA Kenya has today launched the new look International Driving Permit (IDP) at a high-profile event attended by industry stakeholders, travel partners, and media. The launch is part of a nationwide campaign encouraging Kenyan drivers to convert their local driving licences to international permits and highlights AA Kenya’s commitment to supporting motorists in accessing global mobility opportunities.
The campaign, themed Convert Local to International Driving License, calls on more than five million licensed drivers in Kenya to upgrade their credentials. With the government promoting overseas travel and work, AA Kenya emphasises the advantages of holding a globally recognised driving licence, particularly for young people seeking employment, study, or traveling abroad for leisure.
The IDP, issued exclusively by AA Kenya, allows Kenyan drivers to legally operate vehicles in over 150 countries without the need to take local driving tests. It acts as an official translation of a valid Kenyan driving licence into an internationally recognised format, ensuring smooth interactions with traffic authorities, rental agencies, and insurers abroad.
Tourists and business travellers also benefit from the IDP, as it streamlines car rentals and provides legal certainty when driving in countries & regions such as the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. For families, students, and professionals relocating overseas, the permit reduces the time and cost of retraining or obtaining foreign licences, enabling them to drive immediately upon arrival.
At the launch, attention turns to the new design. The IDP now comes in a passport-like format with enhanced security features and digital verification. Authorities anywhere in the world can authenticate the document without contacting Kenya. It also serves as a supplementary form of identification and supports insurance compliance, making it essential for anyone driving outside Kenya.
AA Kenya highlights that the permit is more than a travel document, as it is a tool for global mobility, providing legal authorisation, confidence in car rentals, smooth border and police interactions, and reduced risk of misunderstandings with authorities. Motorists also save time and money by avoiding retraining abroad.
The event was graced by AA Kenya Group Managing Director- Francis Theuri, Director Mobility Services- Timothy Keli, CEO KATA- Nicolar Sabula, and FKE MAnager- Eric Munyobi. The launch reaffirms AA Kenya’s leadership in mobility solutions, combining quality driver training with internationally compliant certification. Drivers can apply for the IDP online via https://aakidp.aakenya.co.ke, at any of the 95+ branches nationwide, via mobile services, or through the 24-hour call centre.
With the new look International Driving Permit, AA Kenya urges Kenyan motorists to convert local licences to international, unlock global opportunities, and drive the world with confidence.