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Driving Differences: Kenya vs. Malaysia for Safe Travel

When traversing the roads of Kenya and Malaysia, understanding their unique traffic regulations is essential for a safe journey. While both nations permit right-side overtaking, Malaysia stands out with dedicated bus lanes and varied speed limits. Familiarizing yourself with these distinctions can ensure a secure and enjoyable driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
kenya:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
malaysia:
Marks the division between lanes of opposite directions.
Overtaking: On Right
kenya:
Yes, allow passing on the right.
malaysia:
Yes
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
kenya:
List length: 5
malaysia:
List length: 4
Bus Lanes: Presence
kenya:
No
malaysia:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
kenya:
N/A
malaysia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
kenya:
N/A
malaysia:
Labeled 'BAS' or 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
kenya:
Yes, in some areas
malaysia:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
kenya:
N/A
malaysia:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kenya:
N/A
malaysia:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
kenya:
50 km/h
malaysia:
30-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
kenya:
50 km/h
malaysia:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
kenya:
80 km/h
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
kenya:
80 km/h
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
kenya:
80 km/h
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
kenya:
100 km/h
malaysia:
90-110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
kenya:
80-100 km/h
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
kenya:
80 km/h
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kenya:
N/A
malaysia:
N/A

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
kenya:
Not used in Kenya
malaysia:
Not used in Malaysia
Traffic Signs: Language
kenya:
English and Kiswahili; symbols are standard
malaysia:
Malay and English; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
kenya:
Not allowed.
malaysia:
Not allowed

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
kenya:
Annual inspection required
malaysia:
Required yearly for roadworthiness
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
kenya:
Mandatory
malaysia:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
kenya:
Not mandatory
malaysia:
Recommended

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
kenya:
0.05%
malaysia:
0.04%
Enforcement: Random Checks
kenya:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
malaysia:
Common; checkpoints used nationwide
Enforcement: Fines
kenya:
Varies; can be substantial
malaysia:
Substantial fines

Roundabouts

Lane Usage: Right
kenya:
Use for first exit or adjacent exits
malaysia:
Use for first exit or straight

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
kenya:
999 or 112
malaysia:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
kenya:
999 or 911
malaysia:
999
Contact: Roadside Assistance
kenya:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Kenya
malaysia:
Check with your insurance provider or Motoring Services
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
kenya:
Mandatory
malaysia:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
kenya:
Not mandatory, but recommended
malaysia:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
kenya:
Varies; approximately KES 10,000 to KES 20,000
malaysia:
Varies; RM150 and above
Common Fines: Seat Belts
kenya:
KES 500 to KES 2,000
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
Common Fines: Phone Use
kenya:
KES 2,000 to KES 10,000
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
kenya:
KES 10,000
malaysia:
Varies; fines and points on license
Payment: On The Spot
kenya:
Possible; fines often paid via mobile money systems
malaysia:
Yes; can also be paid online or at local stations