is it safe to ride a Scooter in Nairobi?

Last activity 09 July 2015 by Longonot62

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Adebisi2000Member07 July 2015 11:40:48

Just wondering if it's safe (traffic/crime/terrain) to use a scooter to get around Nairobi?

Longonot62Kenya Expat Advisor09 July 2015 04:49:39

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Have you experienced Nairobi traffic??

The main risk attached to riding a scooter/bike in Nairobi is from being knocked off it, by drivers. On many of the city roads, there are very steep shoulders, and/or drainage channels, so nowhere to get out of the way. Kenyan drivers have poor road manners and are extremely impatient. Giving way at junctions traffic lights and roundabouts is a matter of who has the least nerve. Unfortunately, bikers and cyclists are at the bottom of the pecking order and other vehicles will not give way to them. It isn't a case if if you have an accident, but when.

Having said that, there are plenty of motorbikes around, but apart from the very occasional cyclist, I have never seen a foreigner on one, in Nairobi.

If you want to give this a try, ensure that you have excellent medical cover.

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