Kenyan Government Issues Safety Warning over Illegal Safari Vehicles on Public Highways
The Kenyan government has issued a firm warning to tourists and tour operators following the illegal use of open-sided safari vehicles on public highways, citing serious safety concerns and potential legal consequences.
In a statement released on Thursday, January 15, the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) cautioned members of the public—particularly foreign and domestic tourists—against travelling on public roads in open-sided Land Cruisers, which are strictly licensed for wildlife viewing within protected areas.
The regulator said it had noted with concern that some tour operators have begun using the modified vehicles to transport tourists along highways and public roads, a practice that is explicitly prohibited under Kenyan law.
According to the TRA, open-sided Land Cruisers are approved solely for game viewing and photography in designated wildlife zones such as national parks, national reserves, and registered conservancies.
“These vehicles are not designed nor approved for use on public roads and highways,” the Authority said in a statement.
“Their open configuration and limited protective features expose passengers to heightened safety risks.”
Tourists urged to refuse unsafe transport
In a direct appeal to visitors, the tourism regulator urged tourists and clients to avoid requesting or insisting on the use of open-sided safari vehicles for transfers outside protected wildlife areas.
The Authority warned that while such vehicles may enhance the safari experience within parks, they pose a significant danger when used on busy highways, where accidents could have fatal consequences.
Tour operators were similarly directed to strictly comply with their licensing conditions, ensuring that open-sided Land Cruisers are used exclusively within approved wildlife areas and for their intended purpose only.
“The use of such vehicles on public highways constitutes non-compliance with licensing and safety requirements,” the TRA warned, adding that violators would face enforcement action under existing laws.
Legal consequences under Kenyan law
The regulator stressed that the illegal use of safari vehicles on public roads breaches safety and licensing standards enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution, the Tourism Act, 2011, and associated regulations.
“The use of such vehicles on public highways may attract regulatory action in line with the Tourism Act, 2011 and applicable regulations,” the statement said.
Under the law, the TRA has the power to suspend or revoke tourism licences where operators are found to be in violation. Continued non-compliance can result in permanent licence cancellation.
Operators who breach licensing or safety requirements may also face criminal penalties, including a fine of up to KSh100,000, imprisonment for up to 18 months, or both.
“This directive is issued in the interest of safeguarding visitor safety, promoting responsible tourism operations, and preserving the integrity and reputation of Kenya’s safari experience,” the Authority added.
Crackdown already underway
The warning comes amid an ongoing government crackdown on non-compliant tour operators across major tourist destinations.
In September last year, the government revoked the licences of four tour companies following a sweeping enforcement operation.
TRA Director General Norbert Tallam said the operation, led by a multi-agency enforcement team, began in the Maasai Mara before expanding to other key tourism regions, including Amboseli, Tsavo, and the Kenyan Coast.
Officials say enforcement efforts will continue as authorities seek to protect tourists, maintain safety standards, and uphold Kenya’s global reputation as a premier safari destination.
Also Read: Kenya Gov’t Intervene as Extreme Tree-Hugging Trend Sparks Medical Emergencies
Kenyan Government Issues Safety Warning over Illegal Safari Vehicles on Public Highways