By Isabel Prontes
If you are planning to visit the East African nation of Kenya and intend to drive when you are there, it is very important to familiarize yourself with all of the traffic laws and regulations beforehand.
Road Safety
In Kenya, people drive on the left side of the road, which can be extremely confusing and difficult to get used to for many people. Combined with the lack of road safety in Kenya, driving in this country can be very difficult at first. High-speed driving, unpredictable driving behaviors, bad vehicle upkeep and maintenance, and unpaved roads that are full of bumps and potholes exacerbate the problem. Safety equipment is also often lacking on Kenyan roads. Avoid driving late at night--lack of street lighting, banditry and bad road conditions are all lurking around the next bend.
Matatus
Matatus are local buses, a common form of transportation in Kenya. They often cause fatal accidents. They are known to be dangerous to both pedestrians and other drivers. They are often driven aggressively and at very high speeds. When driving in Kenya, people should be wary of matatus at all times.
Rainy Season
Kenya has two rainy seasons--a brief one during the month of November and a longer one between March and May. Driving during Kenya's rainy seasons is particularly dangerous and difficult, because the rain often makes the unpaved roads impassable (even for high-clearance four-wheel drives). If you have to drive during Kenya's rainy season, a clear head, good common sense and strong driving skills are a must. The United States Embassy in Nairobi urges Americans to consult the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, D.C., before embarking to Kenya. It provides detailed information on road taxes, vehicle inspection, driving permits and insurance.
Kenyan Embassy
2249 R St. NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 387-6101
Tel: (202) 387-6101
Email: info@kenyaembassy.com
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
