A car breaking down on a Kenyan highway—whether it’s Thika Road, Mombasa Highway, the Nakuru–Eldoret stretch, or the Lapsset corridor—is not just an inconvenience. It can be dangerous. High-speed traffic, poor visibility at night, and limited shoulders on some roads make breakdown safety absolutely critical.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step, to stay safe and protect your passengers, your vehicle, and other road users.

1?? Stay Calm and Signal Early

The very first step is to avoid panic. Many accidents happen because drivers react abruptly.

? What to do:

• Turn on your hazard lights immediately.

• Gradually slow down.

• Signal your intent to pull over (left indicator).

Why it matters:

Early signaling helps vehicles behind you adjust their speed and avoid rear-ending you.

2?? Move Off the Road Safely

Your goal is to get out of the way of traffic.

If possible:

• Pull completely onto the shoulder or service lane.

• Avoid stopping around bends, hills, blind spots, or bridges.

• Choose a well-lit area at night.

If the car cannot move:

• Push it off the road if safe.

• If it’s impossible, jump to Step 3 urgently.

3?? Use Warning Devices (Triangles, Reflectors, Hazards)

Kenyan law requires every car to carry two reflective triangles.

How to position them:

• ? 30 metres behind the car (on highways 50m+ is even safer)

• ? In front of the car if you’re near a bend or crest

• Turn on hazard lights + parking lights at night

This alerts fast-moving motorists long before they reach you.

4?? Exit the Vehicle Safely

Remaining inside a broken-down car—especially on a busy highway—is risky.

Do:

• Exit from the passenger (left) side.

• Stand far away from the road (barrier, ditch side, embankment).

• Keep children and passengers together and safe.

Don’t:

• Stand behind or in front of your vehicle.

• Try quick roadside repairs in the fast lane.

5?? Diagnose Only If It’s Safe

Some issues are minor and fixable on the spot.

You may attempt:

• A flat tyre (if off the road safely)

• Loose battery terminals

• Overheating (after engine cools)

• Checking whether you’re out of fuel

Do NOT attempt:

• Repairs at night on a busy highway

• Fixing anything on the driver side with traffic rushing past

• Opening a bonnet while smoke/flames are visible

Your life > your car.

6?? Call for Help Immediately

Depending on the issue, you can contact:

? Kenya Police / Highway Patrol

• Dial 999 / 112 / 911

? Your roadside assistance provider

• AA Kenya: 0709 933 000

• Insurance towing services

• Dealership rescue teams (Subaru, Toyota, DT Dobie offer support)

? Your mechanic

• Send location via WhatsApp pin

• Describe the symptoms

• Ask if it’s safe to drive further or not

7?? Stay Visible, Especially at Night

Poor visibility is a major cause of secondary accidents in Kenya.

You should:

• Wear a reflective jacket if you have one.

• Keep hazards + parking lights ON.

• Place a bright object on the driver-side mirror (cloth or reflector).

Avoid:

• Sitting inside a dark vehicle

• Standing near the road edge

• Turning off lights to “save battery”

8?? If You Are in a Dangerous Spot—Move Away Completely

Examples of dangerous locations:

• Narrow bridges

• Sharp bends

• Blackspots like SACCO stage areas or known robbery spots

• Steep hills

If unsafe:

• Lock the car

• Move to a safer area a short distance away

• Wait for help there

Personal safety comes first.

9?? Protect Your Valuables (But Discreetly)

Highway breakdowns can attract opportunists.

Tips:

• Do not display valuables openly.

• Keep phones, laptops, and bags close to you.

• Avoid accepting help from strangers unless you are certain of their identity.

If the environment feels unsafe, contact police first.

? After the Breakdown: Prevent Future Emergencies

Many breakdowns are preventable.

Routine checks:

• Tyre pressure (including spare)

• Oil level

• Coolant level

• Battery condition

• Brake pads

• Fuel level before long trips

• Service intervals (don’t skip them)

For Kenyan highways:

• Carry a power bank, torch, drinking water, and basic tools.

?? Special Notes for Kenyan Road Conditions

? Bad roads (e.g., Isiolo–Marsabit, parts of Western)

High likelihood of punctures ? carry spare + jack + wheel spanner.

? Rainy season

Avoid stopping near rivers or culverts (flash flood risk).

? Wildlife zones (Tsavo, Laikipia, Samburu)

Do not exit the vehicle far from the road—call rangers if needed.

? Heavy truck highways (Mai Mahiu, Salgaa, Mlolongo)

Stay far from the road edge. Overspeeding trucks have poor braking distance.

Conclusion

A highway breakdown doesn’t have to turn into a disaster. With the right steps—staying calm, signaling early, warning other motorists, moving to safety, and calling for assistance—you can handle the situation confidently and reduce risks significantly.

Driving in Kenya has its unique challenges, but preparation and awareness keep you safe.