Touching down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), you’ll find yourself about 15 kilometres southeast of Nairobi’s city centre. It’s Kenya’s busiest airport and the main gateway for most international visitors. Picking up a hire car right here makes sense if you want to skip the hassle of negotiating taxi fares or waiting for unreliable public transport.

The airport sits right off the Mombasa Road highway, which means you’re already on the main artery heading into the city or heading out toward the coast. Rental counters are conveniently located in the arrivals hall, so you won’t be wandering around looking for them. Most major companies have desks here, and the paperwork usually takes 10-15 minutes if you’ve booked in advance.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Nairobi Airport

Once you’ve cleared customs and collected your luggage, head to the arrivals hall where you’ll see the rental company desks lined up. Companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, and several local operators have counters here. Have your booking confirmation ready – either printed or on your phone.

The pickup process is straightforward: present your driver’s licence (international driving permit is recommended but not always required for tourists), credit card for the security deposit, and sign the rental agreement. Staff will walk you to the vehicle in the adjacent parking area. Take your time inspecting the car – check for any existing scratches and make sure they’re noted on the agreement.

Fuel policy varies by company. Most offer a full-to-full policy, meaning you get the car with a full tank and return it full. There’s a petrol station just off the airport grounds on Mombasa Road if you need to fill up before returning the car.

Where to Go from Nairobi

Having your own wheels opens up Kenya in a way that public transport simply can’t match. Here are some popular routes:

• Lake Nakuru National Park – About 160km northwest via the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway (A104). Drive time around 2-2.5 hours. Great for flamingos and rhinos.
• Naivasha – Roughly 90km, about 1.5 hours via the same highway. Perfect for weekend getaways, boat trips on the lake, and Crescent Island.
• Mombasa – The coastal city is about 500km away. The drive takes 8-10 hours on the well-maintained Mombasa Road (A8). Consider breaking it up with an overnight stop in Voi or Mtito Andei.
• Amboseli National Park – Around 250km southeast. Allow 4-5 hours. The views of Kilimanjaro from the park are incredible at sunrise.
• Masai Mara – Approximately 270km, about 5-6 hours via the Narok road. The famous wildebeest migration happens here from July to October.

Tips for Driving in Kenya

Kenya drives on the left side of the road – something that takes getting used to if you’re normally a right-side driver. The good news is that most main highways are in decent condition, though potholes appear unexpectedly, so stay alert.

Speed limits are 50km/h in built-up areas, 80km/h on open roads, and 110km/h on expressways like the recently upgraded Nairobi-Mombasa highway. Speed cameras are active, and fines can be hefty.

Watch out for matatus (minibuses) – they can be unpredictable and often stop suddenly. Boda-boda motorcyclists zip between lanes, so check your mirrors frequently before changing direction. At night, watch for pedestrians and animals on the roads outside urban areas.

Fuel stations are plentiful along major highways, but it’s wise to fill up whenever you’re below half a tank, especially when heading to more remote areas like the Masai Mara. Diesel is generally cheaper than petrol.

Keep some small Kenyan shilling notes handy for the occasional police checkpoint – they’re routine and you’ll be waved through once they see you’re a tourist with proper documents.

Book your wheels online before you arrive to lock in better rates and ensure availability. Having a hire car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace – no waiting for buses or haggling with taxi drivers.