Should you ever find yourself in another country (namely Kenya) and want to drive, there are a few things (aka "rules") to keep in mind. Note: These are what seem to be rules or suggestions based on what I have observed.
So if you want to drive in Kenya and you get a….
Motorbike:
- It is highly suggested that one person (normally the driver) has a helmet
- Note: having a helmet doesn’t mean wearing it, it simply means having it on you or your motorbike.
- There is no wrong way to ride so if you want to ride (not drive) sitting normally, sideways, or facing backwards – go for it!
- There is no max person limit
- I've seen 4 or 5 people on one motorbike
- Must be willing to drive on the side of the road or through gravel and dirt roads
- Must not be a nervous driver as cars will pass you with only a few inches of space, come at you head on, or try and get you to drive off road.
- If it can strap on then you can take it.
- I've seen a 4 person couch strapped to the back of one bike
- Feel free to drive on any side of the road (cars do it why not you!)
- Feel free to drive on a walking path because if bicycles can fit – so can you!
- Weaving in and out of traffic has never been easier and more normal!
- Note: if you try this in Nairobi or another big city you are taking your life into your own hands.
Car:
- If it runs you can drive it – even if you have to push it to get it started or are missing mirrors, doors, windshield wipers, etc.
- Drivers must be willing to drive on every side of the road and even go off roading.
- Car horn must be loud and must work 100% of the time.
- One honk tells bikers that you are passing them
- Many honks means move out of the way!
- There is no limit to the amount of people that can fit in a car. For example 10 people can fit in a 5 person car. Only the driver will have their own seat for obvious reasons.
- Creating a third lane for passing is acceptable and encouraged.
- If on-coming traffic flashes their lights while you are passing they are letting you know that you are about to hit them head on.
- If on-coming traffic flashes their lights while you are not trying to pass then there are police ahead
- Note: this seems to only concern busses as they are the ones always stopped (they pay the police man that stops him) as cars don't ever seemed to be stopped.
- Just like there is no limit to the amount of passengers, there is no limit to what you can carry. If you can strap it down you can take it.
Buses:
- Rules are the same as car.
- If you are driving a public bus be ready to be stopped by the traffic police and pay a fee.
- Note: if you try to drive by them without stopping they will chase you down in their car, force you over, pull you out of the car by your neck, put handcuffs on you, sit in your van in the driver seat so you don't try to drive off again, and make us passengers wonder if you're going to get arrested or not… (when this happened to our driver he did not get arrested but we were dropped off on the side of the road luckily with our destination in sight)
