Driving from Nairobi to Nanyuki - What you should know

I have been driving from Nairobi to Nanyuki for as long as I can remember. Its usually a three hour drive - if the traffic is not too bad. If you decide to travel during the weekend or public holidays, its usually very hectic and you might spend more than 4 hours on the road

Here are some things that you should watch out for when driving from Nairobi to Nanyuki (or from Nanyuki to Nairobi)

• Most road users are VERY reckless! I had to start with this because its very important. You might be a very good driver who is very careful on the road, but trust me, you must be extra careful. The road is very narrow right after the main Nairobi- Kenol dual carriage and you will witness dozens of incredible reckless incidents before you get to Nanyuki
• Watch out for the miraa (Khat) drivers. They drive at very high speeds and have no regard for any traffic laws. If you see a pickup truck loaded with brown sacks, headlights on (in some cases they drive in a convoy of about 3-4 trucks) just give way and don't compete with them. Otherwise you will get yourself in an accident and (most likely), they won't pay for any damages
• Watch out for speed cameras. Once in a while, traffic police officers hide in random bushes and record your speed. If above the speed limit, you might be slapped with with a huge fine or end up giving a huge bribe to the cops. I always use this simple rule: If a matatu was ahead of you, travelling at a speed of more than 80kph, then suddenly slows down and won't do more than 80, there is a speed camera nearby. Matatu drivers know where all the camera are hidden
• Travelling at night: One simple rule - NEVER STOP  at a dark place even if you have a flat tyre. Drive on your flat tyre until you get to a safe location where there's some humans and light. Also, NEVER help the woman in distress, especially if she is carrying a baby. Usually, if you see her, some thugs are hiding in a nearby thicket waiting for you to stop. You will be carjacked if you stop. My point is, don't help anyone at night, no matter how desperate they may seems to be

One time, I was driving from Nairobi. It was very late - around 0100, and I saw an 'injured' man lying in the middle of the road. He was waving what looked like a flash light. I almost fell for his stupid trap; when i slowed down to check out what was going on, I saw some people hiding in a nearby bush - Yes, they do unbelievable things when they want to rob you.

The list of things you should be aware of when driving from Nairobi to Nanyuki is not exhaustive. I will be updating it every time I see something that I think other drivers should be aware of