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Driving in Kenya vs. Uganda: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of Kenya and Uganda, it's crucial to understand their distinct traffic regulations and traditions. Key disparities include speed limits, lane usage, and overtaking rules, all of which significantly impact road safety. This comparison aims to equip drivers with essential knowledge for secure journeys across these East African nations.

LEFT

Driving Side

The driving side in kenya is the Left Side of the road

17

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in kenya is 17

1.357 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for kenya is 1.357 US Dollars

While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.

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Lanes

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Markings: Solid Yellow Line
kenya:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
uganda:
Marks division of opposing traffic lanes.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
kenya:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
uganda:
Used to separate lanes of opposing traffic; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
kenya:
No
uganda:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
kenya:
Yes, allow passing on the right.
uganda:
Not allowed
Bus Lanes: Presence
kenya:
No
uganda:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
kenya:
N/A
uganda:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
kenya:
N/A
uganda:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
kenya:
Yes, in some areas
uganda:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
kenya:
Exclusive for bicycles.
uganda:
Primarily for bicycles where available.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
kenya:
N/A
uganda:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
kenya:
No
uganda:
Limited
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kenya:
N/A
uganda:
Signs indicate specific limits where applicable.
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Speeds Limits

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Urban Areas: Residential Zones
kenya:
50 km/h
uganda:
30 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
kenya:
80-100 km/h
uganda:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
kenya:
80 km/h
uganda:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
kenya:
No
uganda:
Limited
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kenya:
N/A
uganda:
Signs indicate specific limits where applicable.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
kenya:
Yes
uganda:
Common; often enforced by traffic police
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
kenya:
Not used in Kenya
uganda:
Not used in Uganda
Traffic Signs: Language
kenya:
English and Kiswahili; symbols are standard
uganda:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
kenya:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
uganda:
Sometimes diamond-shaped, backgrounds may vary
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Turns

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Right Turn On Red
kenya:
Not allowed.
uganda:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
kenya:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
uganda:
Allowed where not prohibited by signage
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Documentation

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Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
kenya:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
uganda:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
kenya:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
uganda:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
kenya:
Annual inspection required
uganda:
Mandatory annual inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
kenya:
Displayed on windshield
uganda:
Displayed on vehicle windshield
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Road Etiquette

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Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
kenya:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
uganda:
Frequent use in certain situations

When navigating the roads of Kenya and Uganda, it's crucial to understand their distinct traffic regulations and traditions. Key disparities include speed limits, lane usage, and overtaking rules, all of which significantly impact road safety. This comparison aims to equip drivers with essential knowledge for secure journeys across these East African nations.

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Alcohol

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Limits: Underage Drivers
kenya:
0.00%; zero tolerance
uganda:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance applies
Enforcement: Random Checks
kenya:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
uganda:
Implemented with checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
kenya:
Varies; can be substantial
uganda:
Fines can be substantial
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Roundabouts

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

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Contact: General Emergency
kenya:
999 or 112
uganda:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
kenya:
999 or 911
uganda:
Contact local authorities
Contact: Roadside Assistance
kenya:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Kenya
uganda:
Available through local providers or insurance companies
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
kenya:
Varies; approximately KES 10,000 to KES 20,000
uganda:
Varies; fines can be substantial, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
kenya:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
uganda:
Severe penalties including fines and possibly jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
kenya:
KES 500 to KES 2,000
uganda:
Fines may apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
kenya:
KES 2,000 to KES 10,000
uganda:
Fines and potential license suspension
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
kenya:
KES 10,000
uganda:
Fines and points on license
Payment: On The Spot
kenya:
Possible; fines often paid via mobile money systems
uganda:
Common in some cases
Payment: Deadline
kenya:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
uganda:
Varies; pay by deadline indicated on ticket