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Driving Differences: Egypt vs. Kenya – What You Need to Know

When exploring the roads of Egypt and Kenya, understanding the distinct driving norms is vital for a safe journey. Key disparities include driving sides, speed limits, and the use of lanes. While Egypt drives on the right, Kenya follows the left, influencing how overtaking is approached and affecting overall road etiquette.

Lanes

Driving Side
egypt:
Right
kenya:
Left
Overtaking: On Left
egypt:
Yes
kenya:
No
Overtaking: On Right
egypt:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
kenya:
Yes, allow passing on the right.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
egypt:
Use rightmost lane.
kenya:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
egypt:
Limited
kenya:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
egypt:
Typically used by buses and minibuses.
kenya:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
egypt:
Not consistently marked.
kenya:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
egypt:
Limited
kenya:
Yes, in some areas
Cycle Lanes: Usage
egypt:
Rare and may not be exclusive to bicycles.
kenya:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
egypt:
Often unmarked.
kenya:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
egypt:
N/A
kenya:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
egypt:
Fixed speed limits.
kenya:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
egypt:
40-60 km/h
kenya:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
egypt:
40 km/h
kenya:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
egypt:
70-90 km/h
kenya:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
egypt:
70-90 km/h
kenya:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
egypt:
70-90 km/h
kenya:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
egypt:
90-120 km/h
kenya:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
egypt:
90-100 km/h
kenya:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
egypt:
80-90 km/h
kenya:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
egypt:
Fixed speed limits
kenya:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
egypt:
Yes; fines are often paid immediately
kenya:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
egypt:
Not used in Egypt
kenya:
Not used in Kenya
Horn Usage: Allowed
egypt:
Commonly used to communicate with other drivers
kenya:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
egypt:
Unnecessary use discouraged; certain areas may restrict usage
kenya:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
egypt:
Fines can occur for excessive misuse
kenya:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
egypt:
To signal other drivers or warn of presence
kenya:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
egypt:
Not officially regulated
kenya:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Common Usage
egypt:
Used in some situations due to high traffic density
kenya:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
egypt:
Arabic; symbols are standard
kenya:
English and Kiswahili; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
egypt:
Triangles with a red border and white background
kenya:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
egypt:
Usually not allowed unless indicated otherwise
kenya:
Not allowed.

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
egypt:
Valid Egyptian driver's license required
kenya:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
egypt:
International Driving Permit recommended
kenya:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
egypt:
International Driving Permit required
kenya:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
egypt:
Mandatory annual inspection
kenya:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
egypt:
Provided after passing inspection
kenya:
Displayed on windshield

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Misuse
egypt:
Common in high traffic areas
kenya:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
egypt:
Common practice, though not always observed
kenya:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
egypt:
Commonly used
kenya:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
egypt:
Frequent use compared to some countries
kenya:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
egypt:
Give way and allow passage
kenya:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
egypt:
0.05%
kenya:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
egypt:
0.02%
kenya:
0.05%
Enforcement: Random Checks
egypt:
Conducted frequently
kenya:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
egypt:
Can be substantial
kenya:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
egypt:
Can result in penalties and license suspension
kenya:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
egypt:
Signal right when preparing to exit
kenya:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
egypt:
Use for first exit or straight
kenya:
Use for first exit or adjacent exits

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
egypt:
122
kenya:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
egypt:
122
kenya:
999 or 911
Contact: Roadside Assistance
egypt:
Check with your insurance provider
kenya:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Kenya

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
egypt:
Varies; fines can be significant
kenya:
Varies; approximately KES 10,000 to KES 20,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
egypt:
Severe penalties including fines and possible jail time
kenya:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
egypt:
Fines apply for non-compliance
kenya:
KES 500 to KES 2,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
egypt:
Fines apply for non-compliance
kenya:
KES 2,000 to KES 10,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
egypt:
Significant fines and points on license
kenya:
KES 10,000
Payment: On The Spot
egypt:
Yes; fines are often paid immediately
kenya:
Possible; fines often paid via mobile money systems
Payment: Deadline
egypt:
Varies; typically within a few weeks
kenya:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay