Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) Executive Officer and COO for Africa Division, Mr. Shinichiro Otsuka paid a courtesy call to Croton Motors on Tuesday, 4th April 2023. Mr. Otsuka who is on a business trip to Kenya was accompanied by the TTC Kenya Project Coordinator Mr. Yoshitaka Matsubara, Dealer Business Manager Mr. Kohei Ishibashi and Dealer Ass. Manager Mr. Martin Mwirigi. The team was warmly welcomed by Croton Motors MD, Mr. Francis Wanjuki.
TTC traces its roots in Africa back 90 years, with motor vehicle exports starting in 1964. It has since accelerated its presence in various African countries as it seeks to fulfil its vision of ‘creating and passing on a better global environment to the children of the future’. Here in Kenya, TTC has diversified from the automobile industry to power and energy, environmental preservation, agriculture and human resource development.
During his visit at our showroom in Karen, Mr. Otsuka and the Croton team discussed the cordial business relationship that the two companies continue to enjoy. We also discussed various issues affecting business in Kenya, including the state of the economy, inflation and even politics. Both parties vowed to continue strengthening the partnership for mutual growth and future success.
Croton Motors wishes Mr. Otsuka well during the rest of his stay in Kenya, and a safe trip as he heads back to Japan.
You have no doubt by now seen the new sleek digital number plates on our roads.
These new generation plates were launched by the government on 30th August 2022 after a few false starts. Apart from being visually appealing, the digital number plates come with added security features such as a unique NTSA issued serial number, a hologram, QR code and the Kenyan flag for added measure. Similar to the older generation plates, the front plate is black and white while the rear one is black and yellow.
Upon commissioning, NTSA started issuing these new plates to newly imported vehicles starting with the KDK series. At the same time, it was announced that owners of already registered vehicles will have up to 18 months to apply for the new digital plates.
If you are wondering how to get the new digital number plate in Kenya or even where to start, wonder no more. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
2. Once in, on the left-hand side of the screen you will see this menu, click on ‘Reflective No Plate’
Under reflective number plates, click on ‘Apply for reflective No. Plate’.
This should bring you to the Vehicle Identification page that will show you a list of the vehicles in your account. Select the vehicle that you are applying for by ticking the box against it on the left-hand side of the screen. Once selected, click on the ‘Next’ button.
This will bring you to a page with more details of the said vehicle. No action is required on this page, therefore click on the ‘Next’ button again.
4. You will now find yourself in the ‘Number Plate collection Arrangement Page’. For reason of applying for reflective plate, select ‘New Generation Plate’. Tick one notification method, e.g., SMS, and select the type of plates i.e. oblong for front and square for back.
On the same page, you will be required to attach a photo of the front and back of your current registration plates.
Expert Tip- the page only accepts PDF format. Take both photos, paste them on a Word document, and convert to PDF. Make sure it is one page and not two.
Similarly, you will be required to attach the vehicle logbook. Attach it on the spot that says ‘Tape Lifting Report’. Again, make sure it is a PDF version.
After you have attached the two items, click on the next button. This will bring you the payment page. Verify the vehicle details and click on the ‘Pay’ button. Select your payment mode and pay. The fee is 3,050kes.
After making payment, print your receipt. The next page will ask you to select where you will collect the number plates e.g., Nairobi, Mombasa etc., as well as the person authorized to collect them.
NTSA will send you a text message when your plates are ready. While the official waiting period is two weeks, be prepared to wait up to a month for the new plates.
Please note: To collect your new digital plates, you will be required to submit your old plates to NTSA and trade them in for the new ones.
Electric vehicles represent the next frontier of automotive technology in the African market. Primarily known as a petrol/diesel-powered scene, Kenya is slowly warming up to the idea of electric power, beginning with emerging market interest as well as government investment. As more Japanese and European hybrid vehicles enter the market, Kenyan car owners are progressively getting accustomed to EV-like driving and all that comes with it.
But is Kenya ready to make the shift to EVs? If city commuters ditch their petrol/diesel-powered machines for EVs, will they be able to go about their business as efficiently as they do with fossil-fueled vehicles? Let’s take a deeper look at the world of electric vehicles.
What is an Electric Car?
An electric car/vehicle is simply an automobile that is partially or fully driven by electric power. There are several types of electric cars.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
When most people talk about electric cars, they mean battery-electric cars or all-electric cars. These cars are powered solely by electric motors that draw power from rechargeable batteries. They do not have internal combustion engines and therefore do not use conventional transmissions or drive-trains, and do not produce any exhaust emissions.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles are the automobiles you likely know as ‘hybrids’. As their name suggests, their power-train combines two types of power plants: an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. These power plants work in concert to produce a combined power output that propels the vehicle.
Their electric motors draw power from hybrid system battery packs that are automatically recharged as the vehicles runs. Hybrids have been on the the rise in the Kenyan market for some time now. Examples of hybrid cars in Kenya include the Toyota Prius, Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid, Honda Insight, and Lexus RX450h.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are more advanced versions of HEVs. They feature larger hybrid system battery packs than those of HEVs. These batteries can be recharged by being plugged into a power source, hence the ‘plug-in hybrid’ tag. Because of their higher hybrid-system battery capacity, PHEVs have the ability to run solely on electric power over short distances. One of the most popular PHEV in the Kenyan market is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs or FCVs)
Fuel cell vehicles use fuel cell technology to chemically combine Hydrogen gas with Oxygen gas. The energy generated by the chemical reaction is stored in a battery pack to power up the electric motor that drives the car. The bi-product of this reaction is water, which is what flows out of an FCEV’s exhaust pipes. Examples of FCEVsinclude the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Tucson FCEV, Hyundai Nexo, and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.
Are Electric Vehicles a new concept?
Technically, electric cars are not new. Their history can be traced back to 1897 when an industrialist called Albert Pope made a commercial electric car dubbed the ‘Columbia Motor Carriage Electric’. This and other electric vehicles of that time quickly became popular. It is said that electric vehicles were outselling petrol-powered vehicles by the early 1900s.
However, these vehicles were using lead-acid batteries which were bulky and heavy. They also could not carry much charge so they delivered very short driving ranges. With time, petrol-powered vehicles took the lead because they delivered longer driving ranges and were getting more and more reliable. The electric cars of the early 19th eventually disappeared from the market.
Why are EVs suddenly popular now?
There are two answers to this question. One, is that climate change and global warming have become a more urgent issue today than they were a century ago. Car manufacturers around the world are now alive to the fact that fossil-fuel-powered vehicles are responsible for about a tenth of the world’s CO2 emissions. The second reason as to why there is an electric car resurgence is the fact that EV-related technology has advanced significantly over the last half-century.
Automakers are now using lithium-ion batteries, which are lighter than lead-acid batteries and can hold much more charge. The electric motors developed for modern-day EVs are also more potent and efficient than ever before. Therefore, electric cars now offer performance and driving range levels similar to those of top-tier ICE cars while also delivering ultra-low fuel costs and significantly reduced carbon emissions. For this reason, many automakers have pledged to slow down or stop producing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and focus more on making electric vehicles.
Does Kenya have the capability and infrastructure to handle Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles require well-distributed electric charging points to function optimally. This means there must be an established EV-charging infrastructure in place. There are three types of electric charging stations for EVs: Type 1, Type 2, and public CHAdeMo charging stations. Type 1 plugs are single-phase connectors typical for electric vehicles from the United States and Asia. These facilitate charging speeds of 7.4 kW. Type 2 plugs, though, are more advanced as they are triple phase and allow EVs to charge faster at 22 kW. CHAdeMO is the name for a fast charging system for battery electric vehicles facilitating upwards of 42 kW.
Presently, there are only a handful of these charging stations in Kenya, mostly located in upscale locations in Nairobi. However, there are plans to increase these facilities, thereby making electric power a more mainstream option for the population. The even bigger question, in a country where a good percentage of people do not have any electricity, is whether Kenya has enough electricity to support an electric vehicle boom.
Key institutions like Kenya Power have declared an initiative for the implementation of an E-Mobility Network Infrastructure System. The conception was set to start in September 2022 and run until March 2023. Afterwards, the company intends to scale up to the rest of the country in the next two years. The proposed initiative would entail charging infrastructure, a billing and payment system as well as customer interfacing. Aside from these plans from major stakeholders, there have been contributions from smaller organizations like EV Chaja, which sets up charging stations at customer residences.
Is there buying power and market demand for EVs in Kenya?
Presently, the Nissan LEAF is the most popular electric vehicle model in Kenya, though there are sparse distributions of other model options. According to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority, an estimated 671 electric vehicles had been registered in Kenya by 2021. It illustrates the demand level is still low but the interest is peaking- particularly following skyrocketing fuel prices.
The average price of the 2015 Nissan Leaf in Kenya is Ksh.1.5 million but newer options may cost upwards of Ksh. 4 million. It would mean they are slightly more expensive than a typical sedan or an economical SUV. However, the problem is more about perspective than pricing. There is a belief that electric vehicles tend to be more expensive because the technology is still unfamiliar. However, the increasing use of hybrids and plug-in hybrids should gently ease the market into battery electric vehicles.
What other market options are there for EVs in Kenya?
Considering the type 1 and 2 charge connectors available in the city there are several models in the market to choose from. The Nissan LEAF is the most popular EV in Kenya although the market is still growing, and other brands such as Hyundai and Volkswagen are showing promise. The Hyundai Kona Electric is one such option, albeit it being significantly costly at Ksh. 8 million. That being said, customers would benefit from a higher range and amenities. The Kona has a range of 450 kilometers, while the LEAF achieves 160 kilometers on a single charge.
What is the Kenyan Government Policy on Electric Vehicles?
In 2019 the Treasury halved the excise duty paid on imported electric vehicles carrying more than 10 persons from 20% to 10%. As demand for EVs increases, the government may be forced to extend similar incentives to personal cars. Following climate change regulations, several foreign governments have instituted tax breaks and subsidies for electric vehicle purchases to encourage more people to buy them. This is a route that the Kenyan government should look towards. Embracing electric vehicles will encourage investment which will in turn create jobs, not to mention turning Kenya into a green zone. This certainly is a win win.
Compact SUVs remain a popular choice for motorists in Kenya. One of the main reasons for this is that a compact SUV is the sweet spot between the smaller sedans, and the much larger SUVs such as Prados. Other than being competitively priced, they are spacious and have good ground clearance. This is particularly important when transversing some of Kenya’s poor roads, not to mention numerous speed bumps. Here are the 5 best compact SUVs that you can buy in Kenya:
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 has become one of the most popular cars Kenyan roads. Launched in 2012, the CX-5 is an exceptional SUV both technologically and aesthetically. It uses the same platform as the Mazda Axela and is the first Mazda vehicle to use Mazda’s Soul of Motion Design.
The CX-5 has three engine options, including 2000cc, 2200cc, and 2500cc. The engine pairs with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The SUV has a low fuel consumption, a major advantage in the current economic climate characterized by soaring fuel prices.t also boasts low emissions, helping the owners lower their carbon footprint.
The Mazda CX-5 has a dynamic feel and captures the ideal combination of elegance and toughness. The SUV has a universal appeal and is popular with male and female car owners because it’s affordable and fun to drive.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has established itself as an affordable and reliable family car. It made its debut in 1995 and is a veteran on the Kenyan roads. The CR-V underwent a major redesign in 2011. It emphasized fuel efficiency, modern aesthetics, a new 4WD system, and aerodynamic performance. The SUV accommodates five passengers and uses the Civic platform.
The Honda CR-V has a roomy interior, a strong performance, builds quality, and off-road capability. Its size and suspension make it a practical car that gives you a comfortable ride on uneven and unpredictable Kenyan road surfaces.
The SUV has established a solid reputation as an efficient and reliable car. It has various engine options, ranging from a 1500cc turbo to a 2400cc naturally aspirated engine to a hybrid. The Honda CR-V comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Toyota RAV4
Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4-wheel drive aka RAV4 is among the most popular compact SUVs on Kenya roads. The RAV4 was the best-selling SUV and the fourth best-selling passenger car worldwide in 2019. Toyota launched the SUV in 1994 based on the corolla/Carina platform. It’s available in three- and five-door configurations.
In 2016, Toyota redesigned the RAV4 using an all-new platform with the 3-door dropped in 2007. The modifications included elegant styling, increased visibility, and extra storage space. It features a superior suspension system that makes it more adaptable to any road surface.
Engine options include 2.0 and 2.4-liter inline-4 petrol engines and a D4D diesel engine. These match with a five or six-speed manual or four, five, or six-speed automatic transmission. A seven-speed automatic CVT is also available. Spare parts are widely available.
Suzuki Escudo
Introduced in 1988, this SUV is a popular cross-country 4WD for city drivers. Suzuki renewed the Escudo in 1997 as a cross between passenger and X-country vehicles. It’s an excellent crossover SUV with many amenities that make it a suitable family vehicle.
The SUV is comfortable with ample legroom and a high-performance engine. It makes it great for all travels, including off-road excursions. The Suzuki Escudo is a very tough, reliable, and resilient SUV. It’s common in Kenyan rural areas where you only find Juakali boda mechanics, and the roads are seasonal and unforgiving. It’s available in three- and five-door configurations. Depending on the model year, the petrol engine options range from 1.0-liter to 3.2-liter V6.
Diesel engines on offer include 1.6L, 1.9L, and 2.0-Liter. It’s available in five or six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive options. Suzuki dropped the rear-wheel-drive version in 2017. The Escudo is among the safest cars, sporting a five-star rating by EURO NCAP.
Subaru Forester
The five-door Forester hit the roads in 1997. It’s an all-wheel-drive SUV that shares its platform with the Impreza. The Forester features the famous Subaru Boxer engine. It lowers the center of gravity, boosting stability and performance. Its ingenious symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system makes the SUV an exceptional performer. The king of the road, and a darling of the Kenyan special security units.
Engine options include 2.5L turbo, 2.0L and 2.5 L natural aspirated (NA), and 2.0L turbo-diesel. At the top is the Forester STi, a road beast. It boasts a 2.5-liter turbo flat-4 engine from the WRX STi, and a six-speed manual transmission. Also, 18-inch wheels, a massive intercooler, and a low-back-pressure exhaust system.
The Subaru Forester also comes with a five-speed manual or four or five-speed automatic transmissions. The Subaru turbo versions have a cult following. With so many aftermarket performance parts, these variants can cost more than the NA counterparts depending on the modifications installed.
Would you like to import any of these mid-sized SUVs? The Croton Motors Sales Team is waiting for your call!
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) changed prices in March 2022. The first increases since October 2021. The state partially removed the fuel subsidy. It caused diesel and gasoline prices to skyrocket to an all-time high. EPRA attributed the increase to higher landing costs of refined petroleum products over the previous month. It said that petroleum products’ prices increased by double digits.
The landed cost of a product is the price it costs when it arrives in Mombasa before including taxes, levies, and oil marketer margins. When the government neglected to apply the subsidy in the September-October 2021 pricing cycle, fuel prices reached their present levels. But the state reinstated the fuel subsidy in the October-November pricing cycle. Over the last five months, local retail prices have stayed steady.
The stabilization program
The Petroleum ministry collects money through the Petroleum Development Levy to protect customers from the effects of fluctuating fuel costs. The Petroleum ministry channels the funds to the subsidy scheme under the stabilization program. In the current financial year in the Supplementary Budget, the National Treasury allocated Sh25 billion to the stabilization program.
Under the subsidy scheme, the state compensates oil marketers for the price differences to cushion the customers. But, the funds in the stabilization program are not enough to sustain the subsidy. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused a significant rise in fuel costs.
The steep rise in crude oil prices drained the fund and rendered it unsustainable. As a result, the Treasury is struggling to cover the expense of the subsidy, forcing a partial withdrawal.
On the International Scene
Even though local prices have remained steady in Kenya, crude oil prices have risen in recent months, owing to increased demand as economies recovered from Covid-19. The situation deteriorated in February as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia is the second-largest oil exporter in the world.
For the next one or two months, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is projected to worsen the situation. The Eastern European crisis has resulted in an increase in the price of crude oil plus the costs of transporting it.
What Impacts Global Fuel Prices?
High crude oil prices are the primary reason that drives up fuel prices. The crude oil price makes up 43% of the total fuel cost at the pump. The remaining 57% includes refinement, distribution and marketing costs, and taxes. The prices of these inputs do not fluctuate as much as the price of oil. The benchmark for global oil pricing is Brent North Sea oil.
When Brent oil prices rise, expect fuel prices to climb as well. Over time, a $10 increase in the price of oil per barrel corresponds to around a Sh5 per liter increase in fuel prices. Supply and demand, commodities traders, and the value of the American dollar are the three elements that affect fuel and underlying oil prices.
The Laws of Supply and Demand
Both gas and oil prices are affected by supply and demand, just like other products you buy. Prices rise when demand exceeds supply and vice versa. In 2020, for example, when the COVID19 wave crested, excess oil supplies and lowered fuel prices, but the slump was short-lived since cheap prices drove many countries to want to stock on fuel.
Seasonal demand also has a significant influence on oil and fuel prices. Fuel prices often climb in the spring. Summertime usually witnesses a spike in petrol demand as families head off on vacation in Western countries.
Commodities Traders
Commodity traders, such as those who trade wheat, oil, and gold, are also to blame for rising fuel prices. They buy oil and gasoline on the commodities futures markets. Businesses can use the marketplaces to buy fuel contracts for future delivery at a pre-determined price. But most traders have no interest in acquiring ownership. Instead, they want to benefit from the contract by selling it.
The fluctuations in these futures contracts have an impact on both gas and oil prices. The purchasers determine expectations price for future gas or oil prices.
The American Dollar Value
When the value of the US dollar falls, gas and oil prices rise. Oil prices soared between 2002 and 2008 due to a considerable depreciation of the currency. All oil futures are priced in US dollars. It is part of the reason why there was a drop in oil prices between late 2014 and 2016.
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members were able to generate more money while maintaining supply stability because of a high currency.
How have the rising fuel costs impacted you or your business? Share your thoughts with us!
When you think of a hybrid car, your mind most likely jumps to the Toyota Prius, and rightly so. The Prius has been the quintessential symbol of the fuel saving technology that is hybrid cars since its debut in 1997. While the Prius has remained astute and reliable, car makers have since rolled out other options in a bid to offer variety to those looking to go green.
Perhaps you are thinking of a hybrid for your next car. If for the most part you drive in and around busy towns such as Nairobi, Mombasa or Nakuru, a hybrid car will suit you well. You will be saving money on fuel and lowering your carbon footprint, which is something we should all be thinking about. But what exactly is a hybrid car, how does it work, and what is the advantage of driving a hybrid?
What is a Hybrid Car?
There’s a lot of misunderstanding about hybrid cars out there. A hybrid car uses a conventional engine (either petrol or diesel) and a battery-powered electric motor(s). Think of it as a cross between the normal combustion engine vehicle and a fully electric car. By using these two types of energy sources, it maximizes efficiency.
Sometimes the conventional engine does the work, or the electric motor does, and times they collaborate. Hence, less fuel is burned, resulting in improved fuel economy.
How do hybrid cars work?
The electric motor draws power from the hybrid battery when starting from a stop and propels the car forward. While cruising at a usual speed, the electric motor and fuel engine can work together or separately. The conventional engine delivers power when you’re accelerating fast and driving at higher speeds.
Applying the brakes or easing up on the accelerator cuts off power to the wheels. When you come to a complete stop, both the engine and the electric motor turn off. The vehicle systems run on battery power, including lights, radios, and air conditioning.
Are there Different Types of Hybrid Cars?
Yes. There are three main types of hybrid designs built to achieve different goals. These are:
Full (Parallel) Hybrid
This is the most common hybrid design, with the Toyota Prius being a good example. A single transmission connects the engine with the electric motor(s), blending the two power sources.
A parallel hybrid can use either the combustion engine, the electric motor or both to run. When you do slow speeds such as around town or short distances, the full hybrid runs in electric mode, conserving fuel. A parallel hybrid is self-charging. Other than the Prius other examples are the Lexus, Honda Insight, Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Auris.
Plug-in hybrids or PHEV
This concept falls somewhere between traditional hybrids and all-electric automobiles. It improves the car by incorporating a larger battery pack like an electric car. You’ve to charge the battery using an external electric source at home, the office, or at a public charging station.
This increased energy storage capacity is comparable to a bigger petrol tank. Depending on the model, it can allow for up to 48 KM of all-electric driving, reducing fuel usage significantly. If you drive only a short distance every day, you can charge your battery overnight, and use it during the day.
In theory, you can use your plug-in hybrid without ever using the fuel engine. That would be a real fuel saver! Popular examples in this category include the BMW 330e, Volvo V60, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Mild Hybrids
Typically, a mild hybrid car contains the normal combustion engine and a small electric motor. The electric motors serve to assist the engine, but cannot function independently.
In mild hybrids, the system recharges through regenerative braking, a mechanism where energy is harnessed when the vehicle slows down or stops. This energy (kinetic) is in turned into electricity that recharges the battery. Statistics show that a mild hybrid is up to 15% more efficient that a normal combustion engine vehicle.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid car?
Pros:
Hybrid cars are environmentally friendly
Hybrids are economical- can save you money on fuel, coolants and oil
A variety of body styles from different manufacturers are available
Hybrid cars are quiet (fun fact- a Toyota Prius is completely silent when driven under 8km/hr.)
Hybrids require less maintenance. The use of two sources of power means less engine wear and tear.
Extended warranties: you can get an eight to ten-year warranty covering the entire hybrid system
Cons:
The upfront cost can be higher than a comparable non-hybrid vehicle
More complex power train than an electric vehicle thus maintenance may be expensive when needed
Batteries can gobble up interior space
So, should I buy a hybrid car?
If you do short distances within towns, then a hybrid car can prove to be cost-effective for you. This is because as mentioned, you can run your car on electric power alone, saving on fuel. If you do long, frequent trips that require high speeds, a hybrid car may not make much difference. Either way, the ability to have the best of both worlds can be enticing. Whatever you decide, the Croton Motors sales team is here to get you the vehicle of your dreams!
After driving your car for a few years, the time has come to let it go. Or perhaps, you have urgent business to take care of and you need to dispose it off quickly. Whatever the reason, most of us are unsure of the best way to go about selling a used car in Kenya. You have probably seen a ‘for sale’ sign posted on the windows of many cars. Is this really the most efficient way of selling a car? This article discusses different avenues that you can follow to sell your car quickly in any part of Kenya.
Online Platforms
One of the ways in which you can sell your car in Kenya is through the internet. There has been a recent influx of online market places such as Cheki, Jiji and the like. You can advertise your car here and have potential buyers contact you. However, selling (and buying) online, in any platform, requires careful due diligence before you engage with any potential buyer.
Social Media
These days, social media platforms have become instant market places where you can buy and sell almost anything. This means that if you are selling your car, you can post it on your Facebook page or WhatsApp status and have people sending inquiries directly to you. This method does not cost you any money but it can be slow, particularly if you are looking to sell urgently.
Bulletin Boards/ Newspapers/ Magazines
Another way to sell your car is by advertising on bulletin boards in places like Malls, churches, and other high traffic areas. You can also advertise in newspapers or magazines, which can be expensive. Like social media, this method might be slow and it could take time to sell your car.
Personal networks
For some people, personal networks of family, friends, and work colleagues are the fastest way to sell a car. This is particularly true for those in the diplomatic circles where you can easily buy a car from a departing colleague. The biggest advantage to selling within your network is that the buyer already knows you, eliminating any questions of mistrust. This can accelerate the sale as the buyer does not need convincing.
Car Bazaar
Have you ever visited the car Bazaar at the Jamhuri Showgrounds along Ngong Road? Open every weekend, the bazaar, as it is commonly known is awash with individuals looking to sell their cars. For a fee, you can drive in your car, pick a spot and wait for customers to show interest. One advantage of the bazaar over the other methods discussed above is that here the potential customers get to see the car and inspect it themselves, rather than depending on a photo. This also means that they can quickly make a decision on whether to buy or not.
Car yards/ Showrooms
Similar to the car bazaar, putting up your car in a yard is another quick way of selling. This is because hundreds of potential customers who walk into that yard will see your vehicle. Moreover, most yards have a huge online presence where they advertise on your behalf. Selling with a yard has many advantages. All you have to do is drop off your car and agree on a price with the dealers. It will then be up to them to get buyers, only contacting you with offers. They also deal with the paperwork and advice you on how to transfer the vehicle online to the new buyer.
The obvious disadvantage to selling with a yard is that you have to leave the car with them. This can be inconvenient if you don’t have another car.
Conclusion
There are several methods that you can use to sell your car in Kenya. These range from advertising on bulletin boards, selling to friends and family and using online platforms. You can also take your car to the Car Bazaar or sell it through an established yard/ showroom. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages that you should keep in mind before choosing. You can also use a combination of two or more of these methods to sell. For example, you can advertise your car on social media and still take it to the car bazaar.
Do You Want to Sell Your Car? At Croton Motors we connect sellers of locally used cars with buyers
How Does it Work?
Share information about the car/ bring it to our yard
We will confirm the condition, particulars of the car and take photos
Set a budget/ price for the car
Authorize Croton Motors to sell on your behalf
We will park the car at our yard/market it online (if you are still using it)
Receive offers on your behalf and make the sale
Make payment to you and initiate the transfer process
After 19 long years, the World Rally Championship, fondly known as the Safari Rally, is back on Kenyan soil! Here is the scoop on the WRC Safari Rally 2021 dates, drivers, route, cars, and much more.
The Safari Rally was slotted to make a comeback in Kenya between 16th-19th July 2020. Unfortunately, it was postponed due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The WRC Safari Rally is now scheduled for 24th-27th June 2021, across Kenya’s scenic Great Rift Valley.
A Brief History of the Safari Rally in Kenya
The first Safari Rally was first held in Kenya on 1st June 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the 2nd. Then, it was known as the East African Coronation Safari before being renamed The East African Safari Rally in 1960. The inaugural rally saw 57 drivers event transverse Kenya, Uganda, and the then Tanganyika. In 1974, it was renamed the Safari Rally and awarded a World Rally Championship status.
Sadly, in 2002, the World Racing Championship dropped the Safari Rally from its calendar due to security issues, poor organization, and finance constraints.
Consequently, it run as the KCB Safari Rally from 2003-2019, another period dominated by Kenyan wins.
In November 2017, Kenya Gazetted the Safari Rally Project and applied to return to the WRC. This request was granted, and an agreement between the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, FIA, and the WRC Promoter was signed in France. Consequently, FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) returned the Kenya Safari Rally to the World Rally Championship calendar in 2019.
Joginder Singh, and his brother Jaswant win the 1965 Safari Rally in a Volvo PV 544. Photo Courtesy Volvocars.com
WRC Safari Rally Kenya Route & Itinerary- Where to Catch the Action!
Kenya will host the 2021 World Rally Championship between 24th-27th June 2021.
This adventure of a lifetime will see the world’s best rally drivers transverse Kenya’s beautiful Rift Valley, from Lake Naivasha to Lake Elementaita, with the grand finish at the iconic Hell’s Gate National Park.
The official service park for the rally will be the KWS Training Institute in Naivasha. This year’s race will be a throw down between 58 cars in 18 special stages and 320.19KM of competitive distance.
Safari Rally 2021 Route & Itinerary
Here is everything you need to know about the routes, times and itinerary for the 2021 Safari Rally:
Monday 21st June 2021- Administrative checks & reconnaissance
The Safari Rally drivers will conduct administrative checks at the KWS Training Institute in Naivasha in the morning hours. At 11 am, they will begin reconnaissance which will continue until the afternoon of 23rd June.
What is reconnaissance? –Reconnaissance is when rally drivers run through the racecourse (using a standard car) and prepare pace notes to guide them during the actual race. During recce, the driver calls out the road conditions, turns, bumps, etc., while the co-driver writes them down. They then refer to these notes when racing.
Wait- they can do that?
Reconnaissance is an internationally accepted practice, and the WRC allows it. In the past, it was not allowed, and in most cases, the rally routes were kept secret to the last minute. The drivers had to rely entirely on maps to guide them.
Some rallies prepare what is called ‘route notes’ in place of recce. These notes give the drivers an idea of the course that they will run.
Wednesday 23rd June 2021
From 1 pm, the Safari Rally drivers will conduct shakedown within the breathtaking Ndulele Conservancy. The shakedown route will be 5.10km long and is open to all drivers but compulsory for priority one drivers.
Way ahead of you……
Shakedown is when the rally drivers test their race cars in a terrain similar to that of the race before the actual race. Competitors must drive through the shakedown route at least three times with their passes timed.
After the shakedown the race cars will be transported via lorries to Nairobi.
Photo Courtesy: Geoff Mayes/ Dirtfish
Thursday, 24th June 2021
7:30 am– The competitors will conduct reconnaissance at the Kasarani Spectator Stage 1.
11:00 am– The race cars will arrive at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) for a press conference and a ceremonial start.
12:46 pm – H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta will flag off the cars.
SS1- 2:08 pm- After 19 years, the Safari Rally will take place in Kenya when the rally drivers take on the first Leg at the specially built super stage at Kasarani. After this section, they will head straight to KWS Naivasha via A104.
1st Leg Friday 25th June 2021- Safari Rally 2021 starts in earnest with the special stages
What are special stages (SS)?
Special stages are the competitive sections of the rally. These stages are of a set length, and rally drivers must drive through each in the quickest time possible. In a special stage, each competitor starts at a set time. The special stages may be on public or private roads. Where they fall on public roads, the roads are closed when the rally is in progress. In some cases, the special stages are linked by public roads, and in these instances, the drivers must observe all traffic rules.
SS2- Chui Lodge: 8.20AM, 13.34Km
The 1st Leg of the Safari Rally will start at the Oserengoni Wildlife Conservancy with the 13.34Km long Chui Lodge stretch.
SS3- Kedong 9:05AM, 32.68Km
Kedong is not new to hosting the safari rally, having hosted it for years. However, the course has a new layout for this year’s rally with two large spectator areas- one at the Lake and the other adjacent to Longonot.
SS4- Oserian 1- 10:18AM, 18.87Km
Oserian is quite different from the Chui Lodge stage with a different surface and dense vegetation.
SS5-Chui Lodge 2 13:46 Pm, 13.34Km
This stage will be a repeat of SS2 in the Oserengoni Wildlife Conservancy.
SS6- Kedong 2 14:42Pm, 32.68Km
Kedong is not new to hosting the safari rally, having hosted it for years. However, the course has a new layout for this year’s rally with two large spectator areas- one at the Lake and the other adjacent to Longonot.
SS7-Oserian 2 15:55 pm, 18.87Km
The competitors will be back to the dense vegetation at Oserian for the last stage of the day. The crew will be allowed 45 minutes of car service at KWS Naivasha to prepare for the next day’s race.
2nd LegSaturday 26th June 2021
SS8- Elementaita 1, 8:08AM, 14.67Km
This part of the race will take the race drivers to the Soysambu Conservancy in the Delamere Estate, a popular rally track with a few new sections.
SS9 Soysambu 1, 9:08 am, 20.33Km
This will be the WRC Live TV stage. It will feature a large spectator and hospitality area, giving people a chance to get up close with the race cars. The spectator areas will be at the beginning and end areas of the race.
SS10 Sleeping Warrior 1 10:22AM, 31.04Km
This will be the longest stage of the day and will see the race will see the drivers crisscross the Sleeping Warrior plains. The drivers will have a tough time navigating the rocky surface laden with coarse lava.
SS11 Elementaita 2 14:05Pm, 14.67KM
This stage is a repeat of SS8, which will take the race drivers to the Soysambu Conservancy in the Delamere Estate.
SS12 Soysambu 2 15:08 Pm, 20.33Km
This will be the WRC Live TV stage. It will feature a large spectator and hospitality area, giving people a chance to get up close with the race cars. There will be a spectator area at the beginning of the race and at the end.
SS13 Sleeping Warrior 2 16:22Pm, 31.04Km
Another long stretch that will wind up the 132.08Km Leg. Crews will be allowed 45 minutes of car service at Naivasha KWS.
3rd Leg Sunday, 27th June 2021
SS14 Loldia 17:56 Am, 11.33Km
This stage will take the competitors to a wooded forest area with narrow sections similar to the safari rally of old.
SS15 Hell’s Gate 1 8:38 am, 10.56KM
The competitors will race at the iconic Hell’s Gate National Park
SS16 Malewa 10:45 am, 9.71Km
This will be challenging, rocky, and hilly with sharp 90 degree turns, compounded by the loose surface. Drivers will have the challenge of preserving their tires for the final power stage.
SS17- Loldia 2 11.25 –11.33kms
A repeat of the forested area with narrow sections similar to the safari rally of old.
This is the power stage of the rally (final stage), and it will be in the breathtaking background of the scenic Hell’s Gate National Park. The finish line will be at the iconic Ficher’s Tower, giving spectators amazing views of the fight to the finish line.
WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2021 Top Drivers & Cars
WRC Champion Sebastien Ogier flies high at the Rally Italia in this photo. He is expected to lead the pack at the Kenya Safari Rally 2021. Photo courtesy Toyota Gazoo Racing.
The 2021 Safari Rally has attracted top crews from the World Rallying Championship, including WRC 2, WRC3, and private entries. Leading the pack is recent WRC Italia Rally Sardegna Champion Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia in a Toyota Yaris.
Top 2021 Rally Drivers. Info courtesy of Wikipedia
The race will have an unprecedented 34 Kenyan entrants, including:
Some of the Kenyan drivers at the 2021 Safari Rally. Info courtesy of Wikipedia.
How did the idea of the Kenya Safari Rally come about? A Look at its History
The Safari Rally was the brainchild of Eric Cecil (1919-2010). Cecil was a car race enthusiast and the then chairman of the Competition Committee of the East African Automobile Association (EAAA). The story goes that in 1952, he was having a drink in Limuru with Neil Vincent, his cousin, and Eric Tomp, a friend.
They started discussing motorsports, including the racing track at Lunga Lunga in Nakuru. Vincent was an avid racer, having competed in the Nairobi-Johannesburg Road Race in October 1936. When asked why he never raced in Nakuru, he answered that he was not interested in ‘going round in circles’ on a racetrack. He, however, was open to a ‘race across Africa and back’ where the first driver would be declared the winner.
Cecil, the consummate racer, couldn’t stop thinking about it and came up with different racing ideas. Most were immediately discarded due to their perceived difficulty. Yet, he needed to come up with something that would truly test man and machine. Unfortunately, when he approached the EAAA with the idea of a rally, he was promptly dismissed as having ‘crazy cowboy ideas.’
As fate would have it, in 1952, the then Princess Elizabeth was staying at the Treetops Lodge in Nyeri when she received news of her father’s death. This immediately elevated her to Queen. Cecil took advantage of this situation and requested the EAAA to allow motoring enthusiasts to mark the coronation with a ‘long distance event’. The EAAA relented, given that Kenya was a British Colony and such an event would be of importance.
However, Cecil did not officially receive any financial support but managed to secure sponsorship from the East African Standard Newspaper and Shell Oil. The race was 5,160km long and took place between 27th May and 1st June 1953. The first Leg was between Nairobi- Morogoro – (Tanganyika) – Nairobi, while the second Leg was between Nairobi- Kampala-Nairobi.
Out of the 57 drivers who started the race, only 15 managed to finish.
Bert Shankland of Tanzania driving a Peugeot 404. He won in 1966/67. Photo courtesy www.safarirally.co.ke
The Safari Rally Grows in Earnest
After the inaugural Coronation Safari Rally, word started spreading among motor enthusiasts about the ‘toughest rally in the world.’ The race began getting media attention, notably when a team of British motorists joined in 1959. In 1960, it was filmed for British Television, and this gave it much prominence.
When it received international status, it started attracting manufacturer teams from all over the world. While VW Beetle dominated the race in the 50s, other makers such as Ford, Peugeot, and Mercedes joined the fray in the 60s.
Now renamed the East African Safari, for 14 years, the rally took place between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. For close to two decades, the international drivers returned home empty-handed as local drivers stole the show each time. This changed in 1972 when Finnish Hannu Mikkola and Gunnal Palm lifted the trophy in a Ford Escort RS1600.
Kenya’s Most Popular Safari Rally Drivers
Kenyans, and indeed East Africans, remember the Safari Rally with nostalgia. Each Easter holiday bought the spectators out to watch the rally cars roar by. Given that April is a long rain season in Kenya, the rally drivers had to contend with heavy rain and muddy roads.
Things got exciting, particularly when Kenyan drivers such as Shekha Mehta, Joginder Singh, Vic Preston, Patrick Njiru, and Ian Duncan roared by. Joginder Singh first won the race in 1965 in a Volvo PV 544. He then won twice again in 1974 and 1976 in a Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR. Shekha Meta first won his Safari Rally in 1973 in a Datsun 240Z, but things got to fever pitch after winning four times in a row, between 1979-1982.
Shekha Mehta won the Safari Rally a record four times in a row. Photo courtesy www.safarirally.co.ke
Unfortunately, after Shekha Meta’s last win in 1984, Kenya, which had dominated the race for years, would go without a win for the next 11 years until Ian Duncan and David Williamson lifted the trophy in 1994. In the same year, Patrick Njiru and Abdul Sidi came in 4th, the highest ever ranking for an indigenous Kenyan driver. Even then, spectators were treated to exciting times from popular names such as Juha Kankunnen, Bjorn Waldegard, Tommi Mackinnen, and Carloz Sainz.
The end of an Era
The Safari Rally has undergone significant changes since its birth in 1953. In 1973, Uganda was experiencing political turmoil occasioned by a military coup, so it pulled out. By 1974, the relationship between Tanzania and Kenya had become frosty, and Tanzania dropped out. The rally was then renamed the Kenya Safari Rally.
Sadly, in 2002, the World Racing Championship dropped the Safari Rally from its list due to security issues, poor organization, and finance constraints.
Consequently, it run as the KCB Safari Rally from 2003-2019, another period dominated by Kenyan wins.
2021 is the year that changes it all as the World Rally Championship makes a comeback on Kenyan soil from 23rd-27th June 2021.
Congratulations on making the decision to buy your first car! Without a doubt, this is an exciting time. Perhaps you have just gotten your first job, or you have reached a place where a car is now a necessity. Whichever the case, buying a car, while a memorable time, can also be daunting.
With hundreds of models to choose from, where do you even start? You may have your dream model in mind, but your budget might not agree. Do you buy a car locally or import one from Japan? These are some of the decisions you have to make. Luckily, you don’t have to do this alone. Below, we have given you our best tips to help you plan as you buy your first car.
Evaluate your needs honestly
There is a good reason you feel that this is the right time to buy your first car. Perhaps you are finally making some good money, and you want the freedom and independence that a car brings. Maybe you have started a family, and moving from point A to B with kids has become tricky. Perhaps your new employer is offering you an affordable loan for a car. Or maybe you can no longer keep up with the hectic matatu scene, and you need a car to get to work every day.
All these are valid reasons for wanting to buy a car, and they should also form the basis of what to buy. Understanding why you need the vehicle will take you a step closer to purchasing the right one. Remember, a car, while convenient, is an added expense.
Think about Vehicle Utility
Another important factor to consider as you decide on a car is utility. In other words, will the car serve you as you need? If work in an area with poor roads, can it hold it’s own from point A to point B? For example, a Toyota Auris might be cost friendly, but can it take 20 kilometers of dilapidated roads every day? Perhaps you have a farm, and you transport vegetables to the market regularly. In this case you may need a Pick Up, or a vehicle with a spacious boot/ trunk. If you are the adventurous type and you enjoy family outings, camping and road trips, you may need a spacious SUV with 4*4 capabilities. Thinking about how you will use a car will help you choose one that gives you the right utility.
Decide on a budget & method of financing
This may be the most significant factor to consider when buying your first car. How much do you want to spend, and where is it coming from? Are you buying it from your savings, a bank loan, or a combination of both? You may find it more practical to set a budget range and then decide on an acceptable vehicle within that range. We all have that dream car that we would want but may not afford as a first car. After evaluating your needs, income, access to finance, and expenses, you will develop a logical budget for a vehicle.
Do you want to buy locally or import from Japan?
One of the first questions to ask yourself is- do you want to import a car or buy one locally? There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Importing from Japan gives you a chance to be the first owner of a clean, low mileage vehicle. The downside is that the importation process takes up to two months, so you would have to be patient. Buying a car already in Kenya means that you can drive off with it in as little as a few days when you find the right fit. Here is an article with more information on importing vs. buying locally. After you have made a decision, the next step is to find a suitable make and model.
Explore your options
Armed with a budget and an understanding of what you need, you can now begin looking at various models that fall within your range. You can easily search for cars online or visit local showrooms in Nairobi to get an idea of the price range. The Sunday car bazaar at the Nairobi showground is another place where you can compare car models, check out the interior, engine and ask questions to understand the car better. Most car dealers will be able to give you several options for cars that fall within your budget. They will also advise you on cost implications for importing so that you can make a comparison.
Understand associated costs
With the excitement of buying a car, you may overlook some of the associated costs that will inevitably build up with time. For example, if you get a loan from the bank or your employer, you will be repaying monthly with interest. As you consider your budget, this is one of the things that you should factor in. Before you walk out of a showroom with your car, you will need to get car insurance, and we advise that you buy comprehensive insurance. Other associated costs include fuel and regular maintenance service.
Looking for expert advice as you buy your first car?
Are you in the market for your first car but you are still not sure what to buy? Are you wondering whether you should buy locally or import? Our sales team at Croton Motors is ready to answer all your questions and help you make a decision that you will be happy with. Contact us today, our visit our showroom along Karen Road.
There is an endless list of items you could have in your car, depending on your needs and preferences. But how many of these can come in handy in an emergency? Whether you are visiting relatives in Nyeri or Kisumu, going on a road trip to the Masai Mara, or your usual town run, there are emergency essentials that you must have in your car at all times.
Emergency essentials are items that come in handy in case of unforeseen obstacles such as car trouble. Their role is to get you back on the road again as quickly as possible.
Here are 8 emergency essentials you should have in your call at all times:
Spare Tire
One of the most likely hiccups you will get on the road is a flat tire. Kenyan roads can be rough, particularly if you are going off the beaten path. You should therefore carry a well-inflated spare tire at all times. In recent times, most car models, particularly SUVs such as the Rav 4 are coming without a spare tire as standard equipment. Instead, they have a tire repair kit. If you drive long distances and have space, it may be advisable to invest in a spare tire for your vehicle.
Jack & Lug Wrench
Of course, having a spare tire won’t solve your problem if you don’t have a jack and lug wrench. The jack is a lifting device that helps you raise the level of your vehicle to enable tire changing. The lug wrench is used to loosen/tighten the nuts on the wheels. Occasionally, your nuts may be rusty or too tight, in which case it may help to carry a bottle of WD40 to lubricate and loosen them.
Jumper Cables
A flat battery happens even to the best of us when we least expect it. Ensure that you have a pair of jumper cables in your trunk. Trust me; it is much easier to ask for help from a passing driver when you have your own jumpers.
Side note: Check on your jumper cables now and then to ensure that they are in good working order. In my experience, they do tend to get rusty and, eh, useless.
Life Savers
If you are lucky, your car will give you some sort of warning before it stalls for whatever reason. This may give you a chance to park safely on the side of the road. If you don’t have this luxury and stalls right in the middle of the road, you will need life savers/ warning triangles. Reflective metal triangles are designed to warn other drivers that there is a stalled car ahead. They should therefore be placed at a safe distance on both sides of the vehicle.
First Aid Kit
A well-equipped first aid kit is necessary to nurse emergency cuts, burns, and scrapes, in case of an accident. Its main purpose is to manage the emergency as you wait for medical help or make your way to a hospital.
Torch
A torch is one of the most practical items you can keep in your car. If your car stalls or breaks down during the night, a torch can come in handy as you take a look under the bonnet, connect jumper cables or change a tire. Similarly, it can help you signal to oncoming traffic about a stalled car, keeping you safe. Because you don’t know how long you may need to use the torch, keep a pair of fresh batteries in the glove compartment.
Duct tape
You will be surprised at how versatile duct tape can be. If you have been in a minor accident and your lights or side mirrors have been broken, duct tape can hold them together long enough to get to your mechanic. Basically, duct tape can hold together almost any car part, including the bonnet, doors, and even the bumper. It will even seal any unexpected leaks until you get help.
Water
A bottle of water will come in handy in case you experience a radiator emergency. Your car may overheat for various reasons. The coolant may be low, or the cooling system may be faulty. Whatever the reason, use water to cool off your engine. This will buy you time to get to your destination or a garage.
Catalytic converter theft is on the rise in different parts of the world, including major cities in Kenya.
Move over spare tires; there is a new attraction for car thieves in town.
Recently, the catalytic converter has become somewhat of a holy grail. As a vehicle owner, you may already know about this gadget, or you are hearing about it for the first time. Everywhere around the world, including here in Kenya, catalytic converter theft is suddenly on the rise. So, what is it, and why is it in such demand?
What is a catalytic converter, and what does it do?
The catalytic converter is a ‘metal box’ found under your car between the engine and the muffler as a part of the exhaust system. Its primary role is to clean up the harmful gas emissions produced when the vehicle runs, turning them into harmless gases such as Co2 and water vapor.
To do this, the catalytic converter uses chemicals called catalysts. These catalysts are coated on the converters’ honeycomb’ interior. Their job is to break down the molecular structure of the harmful gases being released by the engine, thus ‘cleaning’ them up as they are released into the atmosphere.
If you wonder why this clean-up is necessary, think of Limuru on a cold, foggy morning. Now imagine Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other major cities filled with such fog, only this time its pollution being emitted by cars. This kind of smog would quickly become harmful to man and the environment.
Why do thieves steal the catalytic converter?
This brings us to the problem. Remember the catalysts that are used to breakdown harmful gasses? They not your ordinary catalysts but precious metals such as palladium, rhodium and platinum. Imagine that. As stricter car emissions are rolled out worldwide, the demand for these metals has gone up, and so have the prices.
Five years ago, 28g of palladium cost $500. In 2021 it has jumped to $2000-2500, higher than the price of gold. Rhodium is estimated to be retailing at 12 times the price of gold. While this jump in prices can be attributed to the increased production of electric cars, it is nevertheless fueling a vibrant black market of stolen catalytic converters.
The COVID 19 pandemic has not helped matters either. Rhodium is mainly mined in South Africa, and with the pandemic slowing everything down, supply has gone down, raising demand.
Of course, if your catalytic converter is stolen in Nairobi or Mombasa, it is likely to be sold to a scrap yard for much less than its worth.
Fun Fact- The Ferrari F430 carries around not one, but two of the most expensive catalytic converters in the market. Each goes for a mind popping $3,770!
Will I know that my catalytic converter has been stolen?
Unfortunately, you may not realize that your vehicle’s catalytic converter has been stolen. For starters, it is located under the car, so you are unlikely to look there. Industry experts say that you will notice a ‘different roaring sound’ when you start a vehicle with a missing catalytic converter. This sound may get louder or sputter as you accelerate, and generally, the drive will not be as smooth as usual.
Can I drive my car without a catalytic converter?
Technically, yes. A missing catalytic converter will not interfere with your driving. Newer models may activate the engine light to signify something is wrong when the system doesn’t detect it.
In most developed countries, driving without a catalytic converter is an offense due to the harmful emissions that a vehicle produces without it. Here in Kenya, NEMA regulations stipulate that ‘No person shall cause or allow the emission of visible air pollutants from a stationary or mobile vehicle in excess of the limits set out under the prescribed Standard.’
Similarly, through KEBS, Kenya has adopted the Euro 4 Emission directives, which seek to limit the emission of harmful gases like carbon monoxide by vehicles.
Going forward, the catalytic converter will become even more critical, particularly for the environment.
Which cars are at the most risk for catalytic converter theft?
There are no statistics in Kenya showing which vehicles are at most risk for catalytic converter theft. Going by international trends, hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius and Lexus RX are at the most risk. This is because hybrid cars run less on fuel, so their catalytic converters are less eroded and contain more precious metals.
It is important to note that most thefts are acts of opportunity. To steal a catalytic converter, a thief has to crawl under your car. Unless someone has targeted your car because it is a hybrid, for the most part, a thief will strike when they see a chance.
This makes it easier to steal from SUVs, trucks, and pickups as they are generally higher than small sedans. Theft can also be influenced by where you park your car. If you leave it for long periods in a poorly lit area or in a basement, chances for theft are higher.
How can I protect my catalytic converter from being stolen?
You can do some things to protect your catalytic converter from being stolen, or if not, make it as difficult as possible.
Remember, thieves can remove a catalytic converter in under five minutes and less if they are experienced.
Have your mechanic weld it to the car’s frame. This won’t make it impossible to steal, but it will definitely make it harder.
Where possible, park your car in a well-lit area, near entrances, and in the vicinity of CCTV cameras.
Have your car serviced in a garage that you trust
Consider installing an alarm that can detect vibration in the car
Road accidents happen, even to the most careful drivers. Unfortunately, in Kenya, major and minor road accidents are continually on the rise. According to the NTSA, there was a 5.8% increase in road accident fatalities in Kenya by October 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.
Causes of road accidents in Kenya include poor roads, unroadworthy vehicles, flouting of traffic rules, over speeding, incompetent drivers, drunk driving, and weak enforcement of road rules, among other factors.
Perhaps you have wondered what steps you should take if, God forbid, you found yourself in a car accident. Whether it’s a serious accident or a minor fender bender, there are specific steps that you should take.
This article outlines 5 things you should do immediately after a car accident in Kenya.
1. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries
Depending on the extent of the accident, the first thing you should do is to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you are seriously injured, try not to move as you wait for help. If you can ask bystanders for help or call a family member or/and the police. If it is a minor accident with damage only to the car, move away from the road to a safe place.
2. Remain at the scene of the accident
Whether it is a minor or major accident, do not attempt to drive away even if you are in the wrong. Leaving the scene of an accident is an offence under Kenyan traffic laws. Instead, call or wait for the police to arrive at the scene for processing. Switch off your car engine and put out lifesavers at a safe distance to warn other drivers of the accident.
Temperatures may run high at the scene of an accident, particularly if one party is clearly in the wrong. Avoid taking any rash action as this can make things worse. Although it may sound easier said than done, try to calm down as you wait for the police to arrive.
3. Exchange information
As you wait for the police or in their presence, exchange information with the other party, if possible. This includes names, contacts, car registration, make, model and color, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Establish if the other driver is the owner of the car or not. Collecting such information is helpful as your insurance company will rely on these details in ascertaining fault and processing your claim.
4. Document the accident
When the police arrive, they will carry out an initial investigation and write out a report. Write down the police officers’ names and badge numbers. If you can, take pictures of the accident scene and of the cars from different angles, showing the extent of the damage and license plates. You may also speak to witnesses for any extra information that you may have missed. Note down any relevant details about the accident as this may be helpful later on. This includes things like weather conditions, road marks, the other driver’s actions, etc. Ensure that you get a copy of the police accident report as soon as it’s ready.
5. Notify your insurance company
You should notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, perhaps even while still at the scene. This way, they will advise you on what is needed and the next steps in filing your claim. Your insurance policy provides for legal representation, and where necessary your insurance company will engage a lawyer in case of legal liabilities.
6. Move the cars from the scene
After the police have taken down all the necessary information about an accident, they will ask you to move your cars from the scene, possibly to the nearest police station. If your vehicles are movable, and you are in a condition to, you will be asked to drive them. If the cars are undrivable, you or the police may request for a tow truck to tow them away. If your car is comprehensively insured, and depending on the specific benefits, your insurance company will reimburse the cost of towing up to an agreed limit. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the tow truck out of pocket.
What NOT to do after a car accident in Kenya!
Do not run away/ drive off. If there is a threat to you, drive to a safe place or to the nearest police station.
Report the accident to the police and get a police abstract, no matter how minor it is.
Accidents can be emotional, especially if you are not in the wrong. Please do not punch or insult the other driver. Sorting things peacefully will be much faster!
It may be a Kenyan thing, but, unless the damage is very minor, do not ‘visually’ access the damage and exchange money with the other driver without a professional consultation. Your vehicle may need more repairs than you get paid for on the spot, leaving you to go back to your pocket.
Notify your insurance company about the accident, even if you don’t plan to make a claim. This is important because the other party can turn around and report the accident, blaming you for it, even after you have worked it out on the spot. You then find yourself time barred from making a claim with your insurer.
Okay, goes without saying but, please do not bribe a cop to let you go (or to change the facts). Let us fix this nation one incidence at a time!
Do NOT ignore symptoms like nausea, headache or pain even if you are not visibly hurt. Please consult a doctor to rule out internal injuries even if you feel fine.
