Most Kenyan drivers immediately think it’s a new NTSA speed trap or some hidden police gadget meant to catch you off guard. But don’t worry—you aren’t about to get a fine. These are actually called Pneumatic Road Tubes, and they’re basically the ‘census takers’ of the Kenyan highway system.

Here’s why KeNHA is putting them on our roads and what that data is actually used for.

What Exactly Are These Tubes?

Pneumatic road tubes are portable traffic-monitoring sensors. They consist of hollow, flexible rubber tubes laid perpendicular to the flow of traffic. One end is plugged, while the other is connected to a small, weatherproof data-logger box (the “brain”) usually secured to a nearby lamp post or guardrail.

How They Work (The “Air Pulse” Logic)

The technology is simple but remarkably precise. When your vehicle’s tires roll over the tube, they “squish” it. This compression sends a burst (pulse) of air pressure rushing down the tube toward the data logger. An air switch inside the box detects the pulse and converts it into a timestamped digital record.

Why is KeNHA Placing Them on Our Roads?

Agencies like the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), KURA, and KeRRA use these tubes to gather “Ground Truth” data. This isn’t just about counting cars; it’s about high-level data science for road safety and planning.

Traffic Volume Counting

The most basic function is counting how many vehicles use a specific stretch of road. This data helps engineers decide if a road needs to be expanded from two lanes to four or if a new bypass is required to alleviate congestion.

Vehicle Classification

By analyzing the timing of the pulses, the system can distinguish between a Probox, a 14-seater Matatu, and a heavy-duty semi-trailer. This is crucial for understanding road wear, as heavier axles cause significantly more damage to the pavement than passenger cars.

Speed & Direction Studies

When you see two tubes spaced a few feet apart (like in the photo), the device is measuring speed and direction. The logger calculates the time it takes for a vehicle to hit the first tube versus the second. If the data shows that 90% of drivers are speeding through a specific “Black Spot,” KeNHA might use that evidence to install speed bumps or rumble strips.

There are several misconceptions about these tubes floating around Kenyan social media. While they do record speed data, they are almost never used to issue individual fines. They are for anonymous statistical data. Police enforcement usually relies on hand-held LIDAR guns or permanent CCTV cameras.

These are temporary. Technicians typically leave them out for 24 to 48 hours to get a “snapshot” of a typical day’s traffic before moving them to a different section of the highway.

The rubber is soft and designed to be driven over by everything from motorcycles to 20-ton trucks without causing damage to the vehicle or the road.

Why This Matters for the Kenyan Driver

The data collected by these little black tubes eventually leads to reduced time you spend idling at junctions. Ensuring road repair budgets go to the most heavily used routes. It helps the government plan where new interchanges and flyovers are most needed.

Based in Japan since 2003, James runs T&I Japan, a trusted vehicle and machinery export business serving clients across East Africa and beyond.

James’ journey began with a scholarship that brought him to Japan to study international relations and business.

Fresh out of high school and a proud alumnus of Kijabe Boys, James never imagined that one day he would be trading thousands of cars to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa.

“Living in Japan taught me patience, humility, and how to build genuine relationships,” he says. “These values are what shape how I do business.”

A Peek Into Japan’s Fast-Paced Car Auction World

Unlike many countries where buying a used car can be a lengthy process, Japan’s car auctions are a different breed.

Every day, thousands of vehicles are listed across various auction houses. Registered dealers, like James, gain access to real-time digital bidding systems where vehicles can be bought or sold in mere seconds.

“These auctions are not for the faint-hearted,” James explains. “The bidding is fast. You must know what you want, set your limits in advance, and act quickly.”

Each vehicle listed in the auction system comes with a comprehensive inspection report. These include details about the car’s accident history, condition, mileage, previous usage, and even whether it was submerged in water.

“The level of transparency is high,” says James. “You know exactly what you’re bidding on before placing your offer. This reduces the risk and helps you make informed decisions.”

The Buying and Selling Process

James participates in auctions both as a buyer and a seller. He explains that before listing a car for sale, he sets a reserve price – the minimum amount he is willing to accept.

“If the bid comes close enough to my price, say within $10,000, the system sells it automatically. If it’s above, I make more profit. Either way, the transaction is finalized the same day, and I’m paid immediately,” he says.

Once a vehicle is purchased, T&I Japan handles the entire post-sale process. The car is transported to an inspection yard, documents are prepared within five to seven working days, and shipping logistics are arranged.

For clients in Kenya, James ensures all cars comply with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requirements, including the eight-year age limit from the date of manufacture to the date of export.

“Kenya only allows cars that are within a specific age range. If a car is more than eight years old from the manufacturing date, it won’t pass inspection. That’s why we’re very strict,” James adds.

Helping Kenyans Abroad and at Home

In addition to vehicle sales, James and his team assist diaspora returnees with duty exemption processes. He notes that many Kenyans living abroad want to send vehicles back home but often fall prey to fraudsters.

“There are many fake dealers. We always tell people to deal with accredited exporters and check for a solid track record,” James advises. “Trust and relationships are everything. If I scam one client, I lose an entire network.”

James is passionate about honesty and has built his reputation around integrity. He refuses to work with people who demand shortcuts and emphasizes that success in this business is built on consistency and transparency.

Challenges Along the Way

Despite the structure and efficiency of Japan’s auction system, James admits the business is not without challenges.

He recalls incidents where vehicles arrived in Mombasa with stolen keys, or worse, with entire engines missing during shipment.

“In one case, a car shipped to the Caribbean had its engine removed mid-transit. I had to follow up with the insurance company to ensure the client was compensated,” he recounts.

Delays in customs, miscommunication with clearing agents, and shifting duty rates in Kenya also complicate the process.

However, with over two decades of experience and a reliable network, James has learned how to manage such pitfalls efficiently.

Why Japan Remains the Top Vehicle Source for Kenya

Japan remains the largest exporter of vehicles to Kenya. Popular brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi dominate the market. Beyond cars, GEMS also deals in heavy machinery from brands such as Komatsu, Hitachi, and Caterpillar.

“The vehicles from Japan are reliable, well-maintained, and cheaper when bought through auctions. That’s why Kenyans prefer them,” James says.

His business partner, Masao Tanaka, has even visited Kenya on fact-finding trips to understand the market better, reinforcing their commitment to building cross-border ties.

A Life Transformed by Daring Abroad

Reflecting on his journey, James credits his success to taking the bold step of daring abroad.

“Shows like Daring Abroad helped me appreciate both my heritage and the opportunities out here,” he says. “I’ve seen parts of Kenya I never knew existed. I’ve seen the world — all because I dared to leave home.”

Inspired by Singapore’s success in producing its first car, The Proton, in 1985, President Moi tasked the University of Nairobi’s Civil Engineering Department with developing a Kenyan-made vehicle. The goal was to position Kenya as a car manufacturer and reduce its dependence on European and Japanese imports.

President Moi set a crucial condition: all vehicle parts had to be locally sourced. The only exception was the carburetor, which had to be imported. The team sourced panels and the chassis locally, utilized wheels manufactured in Dandora, and assembled a 1.5-liter engine within the country.

“The car was the country’s status symbol of manufacturing. It was a challenge then for us to make a Kenyan car…it pooled various agencies to built a car…it took time to achieve this,”Eng. Sam Onyango, who was involved in the project, recalled in a past interview.

The saloon car featured a 1200 cc engine and reached a top speed of 120 km/h. Subsequently, four additional variants were developed, including a five-door sedan, a rally version, and a sports coupe.

Things were running smoothly, and the project began to look promising, with the car taking the shape of Japanese-like models—a direction the engineers decided to take to stay aligned with market standards.

Halfway through the project, developments hit a snag after the late Nicholas Biwott, who was the minister at the time, revealed that he was unhappy with the project since he had not been consulted. He argued that there was no economical variant for Kenyans and took over the project, instructing the team to also develop a pickup.

In 1991, President Moi unveiled the vehicle at a crowded Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. It was a magnificent sight, marking the first of its kind not only in Kenya but throughout the entire African continent.

During the launch, reports suggest that Biwott was furious when the pickup failed to start during the unveiling of the prototypes, leading him to cancel the entire project.

The project’s failure didn’t mark the end of Kenya’s automotive industry. Nearly thirty years later, it was revived with the production of the Mobius by Mobius Motors Kenya, a utility SUV specifically designed for the country’s terrain.

Kenya received its first automobile in 1903, eight years after the official establishment of the colonial British East Africa Company.

The vehicle, a De Dion Bouton model, was owned by Australian road engineer George Wilson, who imported it from France through the Mombasa Port into Kenya

The De Dion Bouton model was not only one of the most popular cars globally but also a symbol of status and engineering excellence in Kenya and the broader East African region

George was one of the civil engineers assigned by the colonial government to build key highways in Kenya, including the critical road linking Mombasa to Mumias (Mumia).

It was hence fitting that he dared to navigate the rugged terrain considering the vehicle’s large size and the high costs associated with its maintenance.

Propelled by an 8cv single cylinder four stroke petrol engine, the vehicle was a marvel, with its interior design requiring passengers to sit in the front seats while facing the driver, who sat in the rear body rest.

George had not anticipated the challenges that would come with the automobile, but he was determined to get his machine on the road.

Despite being a road engineer, George Wilson did not know how to drive his imported car. Luckily, the car came with a manual, which his wife studied. She learned how to maintain the car, including adjusting the brass levers for the spark and fuel mixture and where to add oil and grease.

His second challenge was the scarcity of fuel, as there were no petrol stations in Kenya at the time. When he first received the car, he couldn’t start it for two days due to the lack of fuel. Once fuel became available, he had to carry jerrycans strapped to the back of his car for the journey.

Kenya’s rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure presented another major hurdle for George. With no garages available and the car being notoriously unreliable, it frequently broke down, leaving him stranded.

Reports suggest it took George Wilson 23 years to complete his first road trip from Mombasa to Nairobi, while during that time, Kenyans were already traveling by railway.

The lack of infrastructure in Kenya proved a challenge for engineers like George, helping foster the growth of the motor industry. This led to the construction of more earth roads linking key administrative centers, such as Nairobi-Fort Hall (Murang’a), Lumbwa-Kericho, Voi-Taveta, and Machakos-Athi River.

In an interview, a representative from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) clarified that motorists in Kenya have the option to apply for three distinct categories of number plates.

Firstly, any individual may request a standard number plate for a fee of Ksh 3,050 via their eCitizen account.

In contrast, a special number plate, which allows for a selection of specific letters or numbers, is available for Ksh 30,000.

Lastly, a personalized number plate permits individuals to create a unique design, which may include their names or the names of their businesses, and this option comes with an application fee of Ksh 1 million.

Notably, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and ex-footballer McDonald Mariga are well-known for having their names displayed on their number plates.

The NTSA representative said a car owner can either have a normal number plate, a specialised number plate or a personalised number plate.

“For instance, if you want to maintain 024R, which is a preference that has a meaning to you such as your birthday, you should apply for a special number plate which costs Ksh 30,000

“If the number you are applying for has already been taken, the system will show you it is not available. You will decide to wait for the following series of number plates,” he said.

According to Erick Wokabi of Auto Konnekt Kenya, shifting to neutral in modern-automatic cars does not save fuel.

He explained that once the car senses that there is no load on the acceleration pedal, the car cuts off the supply of fuel to the engine.

“Once the car senses that there is no acceleration going on, the cut off supply of the fuel to the engine… The gearbox powers the engine until when you accelerate the engine again,” Wokabi said.

Wokabi also warned that engaging the neutral gear in a downhill makes the driver have little control of the vehicle, and also makes the brakes wear out quickly.

How to save fuel

One of the most effective ways to save fuel is by maintaining proper tire pressure.

Underinflated tires can significantly increase rolling resistance, leading to decreased fuel efficiency. In fact, studies show that tires underinflated by just 10 psi can reduce fuel economy by up to 10%.

Another key strategy is to drive at steady speeds.

For instance, driving at speeds above 100 km/h can increase fuel consumption by as much as 15%. By maintaining a consistent speed—ideally between 50 and 90 km/h—you can optimize your vehicle’s performance.

Predictive driving is another effective technique that can lead to significant fuel savings.

By anticipating traffic patterns and adjusting your driving accordingly, you can minimize hard braking and rapid acceleration.

Additionally, reducing weight and aerodynamic drag can have a substantial impact on fuel consumption.

Every extra weight in your vehicle requires more energy to move, so it’s wise to remove unnecessary items from your car.

Newcomers to the bustling city of Nairobi are often told to memorize key landmarks to help them navigate the city’s busy streets. One such landmark is the OTC area on Ronald Ngala Street in the CBD, a lively hub of commerce marked by bus stations with vehicles connecting various parts of the Nairobi metropolis.

OTC has been a historical landmark for decades, but as life moves forward, its history gradually fades, leaving newer generations unaware of the full meaning behind the OTC abbreviation, the story of its name, and the origins of the street’s infamous title.

A widely shared anecdote often resurfaces, with many believing that OTC stands for the phrase Onyango Twende Choo, which loosely translates to Onyango, let’s go to the toilet. Others suggest it stands for Onyango Twende Coast, implying the same request, but with the destination changing to the Coast.

What many don’t realize is that OTC actually stands for Overseas Trading Company—a London-based firm that imported 13 buses to Kenya in 1934.

In the 1930s, while Kenya was still under colonial rule, public transport was a relatively new idea. Recognizing this opportunity, the UK-based company introduced 12 buses to operate on different routes across the country, even transporting passengers to distant locations like Kampala, Uganda.

Although trains were the preferred choice for long-distance travel at the time, the introduction of buses captivated many Kenyans. Those curious to experience this new mode of transport eagerly seized the opportunity, boarding the long white buses to reach their desired destinations.

Over time, OTC buses gained widespread popularity and became a well-known name throughout the East African Community (EAC) region. The company also broadened its services to include courier deliveries, transporting goods to areas outside the city.

After establishing its presence in Kenya, the London-based company set up a stage on Duke Street, which was later renamed Ronald Ngala Street. This location rapidly gained popularity, and travelers began associating it with the OTC brand, eventually becoming widely known as the OTC Bus Stage.

As OTC continued to grow, other investors were drawn to the expanding transport sector, leading to the establishment of additional companies like the Tom Mboya Bus Company, founded by former Labour Minister Tom Mboya.

OTC buses later teamed up with the Kenya Bus Service (KBS) to offer a broader selection of travel routes. KBS became well-regarded among Kenyans, managing a fleet of 300 buses. However, by the 1990s, the company struggled and eventually sold its fleet to other entities.

Though the OTC Company ceased operations, its legacy endured, with the stage still retaining the OTC name to this day.

The area has transformed over the years with various developments, including the Wholesale Mall. During its decade-long period of incomplete construction and green netting, the mall became a landmark and a notable reference point for newcomers in the city.

The logistics industry is vital as it underpins global trade and economic activity, facilitating the seamless and efficient movement of goods, services, and information. In Kenya, this importance is evident as road users frequently encounter large trailers transporting a variety of items, from vehicles and merchandise to raw materials like steel rolls.

Steel rolls are among the most frequently transported items on Kenyan highways due to their high demand in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. These rolls, known as Hot-Rolled Coils (HRC), are exceptionally heavy and require careful handling during transport before being shaped into pipes, sheets, or even wires.

Weighing between 10 and 18 tonnes each, steel rolls are so heavy that many trucks are restricted to transporting only two at a time for safety and regulatory reasons. As a result, transporting these rolls involves meticulous attention to various details and procedures.

Firstly, the coils are generally only transported on vehicles with an appropriately sized coil trough. This is to allow the steel rolls to be securely cradled during transit, preventing them from shifting or rolling, which ensures safe handling and reduces the risk of accidents or damage.

To ensure that the rolls are securely and snugly positioned, they are either placed directly against the edge of the trough or supported with sufficiently strong, properly secured spacers between the coil and the trough’s edge.

To achieve a more secure hold, lashings must be threaded through the coil eye to provide lateral stability, and an additional tie-down lashing is used to prevent the coil from shifting or “jumping.”

Anti-slip rubber is used to minimize the number of tie-down lashings needed, especially for low-friction loads.

To avoid damaging packages or their packaging due to mechanical stresses, it is essential to follow precise procedures for stowing, bracing, lashing, and securing the cargo.

The accident on the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway resulted in the total destruction of the vehicle, which collided head-on with a Canter lorry transporting grain.

“Jamal Mubarak, male adult aged 37 years, was driving a motor vehicle make Range Rover from Mombasa heading towards Nairobi. On reaching the location of the accident at Maji ya Chumvi area, while overtaking improperly, collided head-on with an oncoming motor vehicle Isuzu FRR,” said the report, noting that the vehicle did not have a registration number yet and  was still using a temporary one.

The impact of the collision was severe, resulting in the immediate deaths of Mubarak and an unidentified female passenger, while three other individuals were injured and rushed  to Mariakani Sub-County Hospital for treatment.

High Court Advocate J.V. Mwongole states that when a vehicle is damaged during delivery before reaching its owner, three key factors are considered in determining compensation for the buyer.

Change of Ownership
The initial step involves determining when ownership and risk transferred from the dealer to the buyer. If the contract indicates that risk transfers upon delivery, the dealer will cover the loss. On the other hand, if the risk transfers at the point of sale, the buyer will be responsible for the loss.

“If the contract is such that the risk passes to the buyer upon delivery of the car, then the dealer might bear the loss. Conversely, if the nature of the contract is one that passes ownership and all the risks to the buyer at the time of the sale (once the transaction is completed), then the buyer might bear the risk,” Mwongole told a local media house.

Determining Who Contracted The Driver
The next step is to identify who contracted the driver for the car’s delivery. The person who hired the driver will be liable for the costs, particularly if the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence.

“For instance, if the driver was hired by the dealer and was acting as his agent/servant/employee, then the dealer might be liable for damages, especially if the driver’s negligence caused the accident. Similarly, if the buyer hired the driver and was acting as the buyer’s agent/servant/employee, with express permission to deliver the car, then the buyer might as well bear the risk, particularly if it’s established that the driver’s negligence caused the accident,” he added.

Determining The Insurance Status of the vehicle
The next crucial step is to assess the vehicle’s insurance status. Typically, car dealerships and logistics companies have insurance policies to cover damages incurred during transport. The dealership or shipping company would generally file a claim with their insurer.

However,  if the vehicle was uninsured, the decision on who covers the loss will depend on the terms of the contract between the buyer and dealer.

“If it was insured, the insurance company should cover the damages according to the terms of the policy. If it wasn’t insured, the ball rolls back to the buyer and dealer, and the nature of the contract they signed comes into play,” he stated.

It is important to note that if a dispute arises or if the dealership fails to meet its obligations, the car owner may need to pursue legal action. This could involve filing a complaint with consumer protection agencies or taking the matter to court.

Car buyers are hence advised to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of their purchase agreements and any related insurance policies.

Their registration plates differ from civilian ones by featuring prefixes such as GKA, GKB, and GKC, while ordinary vehicles have plates beginning with K. This distinction signifies their official status and helps differentiate them from privately owned vehicles.

Apart from identification, these number plates ensure that government vehicles adhere to their designated roles, comply with government regulations, and receive specific privileges and exemptions from certain operational controls.

Therefore, GKA, GKB, and GKC number plates are used to specify the vehicles’ roles and ownership within government operations. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the letters following [GK] represent a category of designated registration series.

GKA number plates are featured on government vehicles used for various official purposes. These include official government cars for ministers, high-ranking officials, and other state functions, as well as administrative and service vehicles used by different government departments.

GKB number plates are used on government vehicles specifically for the Kenya Police. These include land rovers, presidential escorts, and patrol cars.

GKC number plates, on the other hand, are featured on government vehicles used by other government agencies or departments. They include utility vehicles, departmental trucks, and service vehicles used by various government ministries and parastatals.

NTSA clarified that the series is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and is not specifically assigned to any particular state department.

NTSA stated, adding that Kenyans can expect to see other designations, such as GKD, on government vehicles in the near future.

Additionally, there are other types of number plates used in Kenya which include civilian vehicle number plates, County Government number plates, motorbikes and Tuktuk number plates and diplomatic number plates.

Civilian Vehicle Number Plates
These are the common vehicles on Kenyan roads, typically used by ordinary citizens. Their number plates are white at the front and yellow at the back, with letters and digits printed in black.

Diplomatic Number Plate
These are specific vehicles belonging to foreign embassies based in Kenya. Their number plates feature white text on a red background.

Motorbikes and Tuktuk
Motorbikes and tuk-tuks have number plates with four characters, consisting of letters and digits printed in black to accommodate their specific registration needs. The four-character format helps manage and differentiate a large number of light moto vehicles within these categorie.

Customized Number Plate
Vehicle owners can personalize their number plates with custom names for a fee paid to NTSA. The cost for this customization is up to Kshs 1 million.

County Government Vehicles
These vehicles are used for county operations. Their number plate format includes a County Code, “CG” (for County Government), followed by three numbers and one letter. For example: 019 CG 234A, for a vehicle assigned to Nyeri County which is county number 19.