Driving within Nairobi is stressful not only to those who are first time drivers but to regular commuters alike. According to Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA) report, traffic congestion in Nairobi city cost Kenya approximately USD 1 billion a year.
With so many cars, motorcycles, buses, matatus on the road, and not the pedestrians themselves, it is easy to see why driving in the city is such a physically and mentally taxing experience for drivers. As the famous saying goes victory loves preparation; here are a few city driving tips to ready yourself before tackling Nairobi roads.
- Be aware of high traffic times and routes.
Naturally, there is little you can do to avoid getting stuck on traffic in Nairobi especially when driving in the rush hours. That being said, a bonus tip is to always anticipate heavy traffic, especially if you are travelling in peak hours. Expect the best, prepare for the worst.
- Plan your route
Unless you are very familiar with driving within the Nairobi area, it always pays to plan your route in advance. This goes a long way to aid move through the city without unnecessary wrong turns that may attract penalties and or delays.
- Stay alert always.
When driving in Nairobi, never underestimate the Pedestrians and boda bodas who are easily the most unpredictable hazards in the city, even during off-peak hours. It’s become the norm to see a pedestrian dash across the road nowhere near a zebra crossing, while boda bodas overtake from both sides, often leading to accidents that could have easily been avoided.
- Adhere to the speed limit
One thing for certain is that everyone is always in a rush. However, it is important that one sticks to the speed limit.
- Make your intentions clear when driving.
Signalling turns and lane changes in advance is a healthy practice especially in such busy environments. Keep in mind as well to leave enough space between yourself and the car in front and move decisively especially during rainy season.
Summary
Victory loves preparation.
It’s important to have your vehicle checked regularly by a professional in addition to practicing safe driving tips. applicable to all Kenyan roads.