Driving by minors has drawn a fresh warning from the National Transport and Safety Authority(NTSA), which says parents could face legal consequences if they allow underage or unlicensed children to use their vehicles.
NTSA said on Monday that parents should keep car keys away from children below the legal driving age and make sure vehicles are not accessed without permission.
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Driving age remains 18 in Kenya
The authority reminded motorists that the minimum age for driving a motor vehicle in Kenya is 18.
It also stressed that anyone operating a vehicle must hold a valid driving license.
NTSA said allowing an underage or unlicensed person behind the wheel is an offense and could expose the vehicle owner or parent to legal action.
Parents urged to monitor vehicle use
The regulator encouraged parents to know where their vehicles are and who is using them at all times.
It also advised families to discuss road safety with children, especially during school holidays when young people may have more access to family vehicles.
NTSA said such conversations should focus on the risks associated with underage driving and the consequences of road crashes.
Driving warning comes ahead of festive travel
The advisory comes as road travel is expected to increase during the festive period.
Authorities are concerned that children at home for the holidays may be tempted to drive vehicles without enough knowledge of traffic rules or proper training.
NTSA has therefore urged parents to take a more active role in preventing unauthorized vehicle use.
Previous cases have attracted penalties
Kenyan authorities have previously taken action against adults who allowed minors to drive.
In one past case cited in the report, a parent was arrested after a seven-year-old child was found driving a vehicle.
The parent was later fined Ksh.20,000 or faced a three-month jail term.
NTSA says keeping minors away from the driver’s seat is part of wider efforts to reduce road accidents and improve accountability among vehicle owners.
