NAIROBI, Kenya — The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has warned tourists and tour operators against using open-sided Land Cruisers on public roads and highways, citing safety risks and non-compliance with licensing requirements.
In a statement on Thursday, January 15, TRA noted that some operators have started transporting tourists in these vehicles outside designated wildlife areas, a practice the authority described as illegal.
Open-sided Land Cruisers are licensed strictly for game viewing and photography within national parks, reserves, and registered conservancies.
“These vehicles are not designed nor approved for use on public roads and highways, as their open configuration and limited protective features expose passengers to heightened safety risks,” TRA stated.
The regulator urged tourists not to request or insist on using such vehicles beyond approved areas, and directed tour operators to adhere strictly to licensing conditions.
Non-compliance, TRA warned, constitutes a breach of safety and licensing regulations under the Tourism Act, 2011, and may attract enforcement action.
TRA emphasized that continued violations could result in suspension or revocation of tourism licences, and operators may face fines of up to Sh100,000 or 18 months imprisonment, or both.
The authority cited a September 2025 crackdown in which the licences of four operators were revoked for non-compliance.
TRA Director General Norbert Tallam said the enforcement drive, led by a multi-agency team, began in the Maasai Mara and has since expanded to Amboseli, Tsavo, and coastal areas.
“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 TRA statement read.
Open-sided Land Cruisers, while ideal for photography and game viewing, lack the protective features necessary for high-speed travel on public highways, making them unsafe for road transfers.
By enforcing these regulations, TRA aims to ensure compliance, enhance visitor safety, and maintain Kenya’s global reputation as a premier safari destination.
Tour operators and tourists alike are reminded that adherence to licensing conditions is not optional but a legal requirement under the Tourism Act of 2011.
