DRIVING IN KENYA: 5 TIPS TO STAY SAFE AND CARRY ON

When you move to a new country, mobility is very important. Especially in the initial stages when you try to get your bearings, find a new grocery vendor, a tailor, a mechanic – the list is endless. If you don’t want to take a Matatu (mini vans used for public transport) you need a car to get around in Nairobi.
Depending on where you live, navigating through Nairobi’s roads can be quite a challenge. I’ve been driving here for five months and here’s what I suggest to stay safe and carry on:

1. Police: You will come across traffic police at every junction in Nairobi. Some, it feels, are just on the look out to fine you and may even stop you for no apparent reason. Avoid any eye contact with the police and drive past. If you don’t look they won’t stop you – it’s been working for me so far!
2. Matatus: Opinions are divided on Matutus. All drivers hate them and most people fight them. I say, smile and give way and they won’t do a thing. No, seriously. Matatu drivers do not indicate or care for traffic rules. In fact. some even enjoy cutting lanes and harassing other drivers. You are better off to let them go.
3. Traffic Rules: Although, Nairobi’s infrastructure is improving and the highways in Kenya are in fairly good condition I can’t help the feeling that some drivers are not aware of traffic rules. There are very few sign posts (I was told they get stolen, so the councils don’t bothers putting them up) to guide the drivers. If you’ve never been on a highway before, getting on and off one is not that simple as we may think. There are always buses getting off the highway on a entry lane and using the exit lanes to come back on. Be watchful and assume not everyone is as aware of common sense traffic rules as you are.
4. Know Your Route: You don’t want to get lost in Nairobi when you are on your own! Taking the wrong turning can lead you to areas you wouldn’t want to go to. I use Google Maps a lot to find my way in Nairobi, but I make sure I know where I am going, where the parking is and if it is safe to go there. Check that your route is safe. Safety on the roads includes bad lighting at night, potholes and sharp turnings. Google’s shortest route may not be the best option.
5. Enjoy: Be confident and enjoy driving. Apart from areas where parking is scarce, I don’t think you require a driver in Nairobi. I haven’t come across any aggressive driving and the roads are well planned. Peak hour traffic is legendary, but something that needs to be experienced once in a while.