In Kenya, all motor vehicles must display registration plates to legally operate on public roads. While most plates are black-on-white or black-on-yellow, you may have noticed vehicles bearing red number plates with white lettering. So, what does a red number plate in Kenya signify?
These unique red plates are not for ordinary motorists—they are exclusively issued to diplomatic missions, foreign embassies, and United Nations agencies operating in Kenya. These vehicles and their occupants enjoy special privileges under international diplomatic law.
What Does “CD” on a Red Number Plate Mean?
“CD” stands for Corps Diplomatique, French for Diplomatic Corps. Vehicles bearing CD plates belong to embassies or high commissions of foreign governments. Each country is assigned a specific number reflecting the order in which it recognized Kenya as a sovereign state.
For example:
- 1 CD – Germany (first to recognize Kenya)
- 2 CD – Russia
- 3 CD – Ethiopia
… - 123 CD – United Arab Emirates
These plates help identify the vehicle’s origin and protect diplomatic personnel, who benefit from diplomatic immunity while serving in Kenya.
What About “UN” Red Number Plates?
Vehicles with UN red number plates are assigned to United Nations agencies and staff. These plates also follow a unique coding system and are associated with specific UN bodies like UNDP, WHO, and UNICEF.
Privileges Associated with Red Number Plates in Kenya
Owners of red number plate vehicles—whether “CD” or “UN”—are:
- Exempt from taxes and vehicle levies
- Protected from arrest or prosecution (in official capacity)
- Immune to vehicle searches or seizures without consent
These protections fall under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, ensuring diplomats can perform duties without interference.
Complete List of Diplomatic (CD) and UN Red Number Plate Codes in Kenya (2025)
🇰🇪 CD Plates – Diplomatic Missions
- 1 CD – Germany
- 2 CD – Russian Federation
- 3 CD – Ethiopia
- 4 CD – China
- 5 CD – Norway
- 6 CD – Hungary
- 7 CD – Egypt
- 8 CD – Serbia
- 9 CD – Italy
- 10 CD – France
- 11 CD – Slovakia
- 12 CD – Denmark
- 13 CD – Japan
- 14 CD – Sudan
- 15 CD – Austria
- 16 CD – India
- 17 CD – Australia
- 18 CD – Canada
- 19 CD – Holy See (Vatican)
- 20 CD – Finland
- 21 CD – Switzerland
- 22 CD – United Kingdom
- 23 CD – Liberia
- 24 CD – Israel
- 25 CD – Nigeria
- 26 CD – Ghana
- 27 CD – Netherlands
- 28 CD – Malawi
- 29 CD – United States of America (USA)
- 30 CD – Belgium
- 31 CD – Sweden
- 32 CD – Pakistan
- 33 CD – Poland
- 34 CD – Korea
- 35 CD – Bulgaria
- 36 CD – Greece
- 37 CD – Cuba
- 38 CD – Kuwait
- 39 CD – Spain
- 45 CD – Romania
- 46 CD – Thailand
- 47 CD – African Union
- 48 CD – Colombia
- 49 CD – India
- 50 CD – Somalia
- 51 CD – Brazil
- 52 CD – Turkey
- 53 CD – Lesotho
- 54 CD – Zambia
- 55 CD – Madagascar
- 56 CD – Malaysia
- 57 CD – Democratic Republic of Congo
- 58 CD – Swaziland
- 59 CD – Sri Lanka
- 60 CD – Iraq
- 61 CD – Rwanda
- 64 CD – Iran
- 65 CD – Cyprus
- 66 CD – Argentina
- 68 CD – Philippines
- 69 CD – Burundi
- 70 CD – Chile
- 71 CD – Oman
- 72 CD – Arab League
- 73 CD – European Union
- 74 CD – Yemen
- 75 CD – Kenya Mission to UNEP
- 76 CD – Côte d’Ivoire
- 77 CD – Bangladesh
- 78 CD – Saudi Arabia
- 80 CD – Libya
- 81 CD – Ireland
- 83 CD – Algeria
- 84 CD – Palestine
- 85 CD – Uganda
- 86 CD – Mexico
- 87 CD – Morocco
- 88 CD – Costa Rica
- 89 CD – Gabon
- 91 CD – Indonesia
- 92 CD – Portugal
- 93 CD – Venezuela
- 94 CD – Zimbabwe
- 96 CD – Asian Development Bank
- 97 CD – Tanzania
- 99 CD – Peru
- 102 CD – Mozambique
- 103 CD – South Africa
- 104 CD – Eritrea
- 106 CD – Czech Republic
- 107 CD – The Aga Khan
- 115 CD – Ukraine
- 116 CD – Sahrawi
- 117 CD – Djibouti
- 118 CD – Sierra Leone
- 121 CD – South Sudan
- 123 CD – United Arab Emirates
🌐 UN Plates – United Nations Agencies
- 40 UN – UNDP
- 41 UN – WHO
- 42 UN – UNESCO
- 43 UN – The World Bank
- 44 UN – FAO
- 45 UN – WFP
- 62 UN – UNHCR
- 63 UN – UNICEF (Eastern & Southern Africa Office)
- 67 UN – UN Information Centre (UNIC)
- 79 UN – UN-Habitat
- 82 UN – UN-Habitat (Kenya Mission)
- 90 UN – UNICEF (Kenya Office)
- 95 UN – ICAO
- 100 UN – IFC
- 101 UN – UNEP – Norwegian Mission
- 105 UN – UN Office in Nairobi
- 108 UN – UNFPA
- 110 UN – UNIDO
Conclusion
A red number plate in Kenya, whether labeled “CD” or “UN”, symbolizes diplomatic presence or international affiliation. These vehicles represent ambassadors, diplomats, and global agencies, all of whom play vital roles in Kenya’s foreign relations and development partnerships.
Understanding these plates gives insight into global diplomacy, international law, and the order of recognition that shaped Kenya’s history.
