The transport regulator urges parents to secure car keys, monitor vehicle use and discuss road safety with their children.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned parents that allowing underage driving amounts to an offence under Kenyan law. It urged them to keep car keys away from children below 18.
In a statement on Monday, November 2, the authority said the minimum age for driving a car is 18. Drivers must also hold a valid driving licence before taking the wheel.
NTSA said parents risk breaking the law by allowing an underage or unlicensed person to drive. Failing to prevent such a person from driving also constitutes an offence, the regulator warned.
The warning applies even when a child already knows how to operate a vehicle. Driving ability does not remove the age and licensing requirements, the authority stressed.
NTSA urges talks on underage driving
Alongside securing car keys, NTSA encouraged parents to have frank road safety discussions with their children. These conversations should explain the consequences of driving underage and the devastating effects of road crashes.
The regulator also urged motorists to monitor vehicle use and know where their cars are at all times. It linked this advice to promoting road safety and accountability.
The safety push comes as children spend the holidays at home and festive travel increases. Access to family cars can tempt children to drive without sufficient knowledge of traffic rules or driving skills.
NTSA therefore urged parents to combine clear conversations with practical control over access to their vehicles.
