TRA Cracks Down: Tourists Urged to Avoid Open-Sided Land Cruisers on Kenyan Highways.

“The Authority wishes to clarify that open-sided land cruisers are licensed and approved strictly for game viewing and photography purposes within designated wildlife areas, namely national parks, national reserves, and registered conservancies,” read part of the statement.

This directive aims to enforce licensing and safety standards amid rising concerns over road incidents involving tourist vehicles.

The alert highlights non-compliance risks for tour operators and visitors alike.

Safety Risks Highlighted

Open-sided Land Cruisers fail to meet highway safety requirements, exposing passengers to hazards like poor weather protection and ejection risks during accidents.

Past incidents, such as a fatal 2024 crash where a Land Cruiser’s wheel detached on a safari route, underscore the dangers of mechanical issues on highways.

TRA emphasizes that only fully enclosed, licensed 4x4 vehicles qualify for safari-highway travel, protecting tourists from unroadworthy setups.

Kenya’s highways pose unique challenges for heavy tourist vehicles like Land Cruisers, with speed limits capped at 80 km/h due to their size and longer stopping distances.

NTSA’s recent inspections along routes like Nairobi-Nakuru have targeted tampered speed governors and defects, amplifying the need for compliance in tourist transport.

Adverse weather, including heavy rains and fog, further heightens risks, as noted in NTSA alerts, making vehicle suitability critical.

Tour operators using non-compliant vehicles face penalties, license revocations, and operational bans, potentially disrupting safari experiences.

Uber Safaris and similar services must adhere to strict rules, limiting operations to equipped Land Cruisers with proper branding. Tourists are advised to verify vehicle licensing through TRA before bookings to ensure safe travels.

Opt for enclosed, certified vehicles for highway segments and stick to guided safaris in parks. Check NTSA and TRA advisories for updates, wear seatbelts, and avoid overloading to minimize accident risks. Responsible choices safeguard adventures in Kenya’s wildlife hotspots.