The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a stern warning to parents allowing underage children to drive their vehicles, cautioning that those responsible could face legal consequences under Kenyan traffic laws.

In a statement released on Monday, November 2, 2026, the transport regulator reminded motorists that the minimum legal driving age in Kenya is 18 years.

The authority warned parents against allowing children below the required age to access their vehicles, even when they have some driving experience.

NTSA further explained that allowing or failing to prevent an underage or unlicensed person from operating a motor vehicle constitutes an offence.

“Don’t let your child become the next statistic. The minimum driving age in Kenya is 18 years. Allowing, or failing to prevent, an underage or unlicensed person from driving is an offence,” the authority stated.

NTSA Issues Safety Guidelines to Parents

The authority urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for preventing children from accessing vehicles without proper authorisation.

Among the measures recommended was keeping car keys away from minors to prevent them from taking vehicles without permission.

NTSA also encouraged parents to hold conversations with their children about road safety, explaining the dangers of underage driving and the potentially devastating consequences of road accidents.

Additionally, motorists were advised to monitor their vehicles and always know where their cars are being used.

The authority emphasised that vehicle owners have a responsibility to ensure their cars are not operated by individuals without valid driving licences.

Why NTSA Is Increasing Road Safety Enforcement

The latest warning comes as NTSA intensifies road safety operations ahead of the festive season, when millions of Kenyans are expected to travel across the country.

The authority is working alongside law enforcement agencies to conduct daytime and nighttime inspections targeting dangerous driving and other traffic violations.

The enforcement campaign is also focusing on speeding, defective speed limiters, drunk driving, overloading and driver documentation.

NTSA has urged parents, motorists and other road users to cooperate with the authorities and prioritise safety throughout the holiday period.

Under Kenya’s Traffic Act, the minimum age for obtaining an ordinary motor vehicle driving licence is 18 years. The authority has warned that parents who allow minors to drive risk facing legal consequences.