On Kenyan highways, it is common to spot matatus driving with their hazard warning lights permanently on. While hazard lights are meant to signal danger or emergencies, matatu drivers have developed a different logic behind the practice.
According to Onesmus, a Nairobi-based driver, hazards act as a constant alert that a matatu may suddenly change lanes, stop, or speed up. Unlike private cars where the driver makes decisions alone, matatus often depend on both the driver and conductor to decide when to pick up or drop off passengers. This split-second decision-making has led to the belief that keeping hazards on helps other motorists remain alert.
However, this reasoning is not supported by the law. Under Kenya’s Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations, Cap 374G, hazard lights should only be used when a vehicle poses a risk to other road users—such as during breakdowns, towing, or poor visibility. Using hazards in normal traffic is therefore illegal, despite being widely practiced.
Police officers are said to be aware of the habit but often overlook it. Drivers argue that the intention is safety, not confusion. “When you are not sure of what is going to happen ahead, it is good to put hazards on. It alerts those behind to keep a safe distance,” explained Onesmus.
Still, the misuse of hazards can cause more harm than good. Hazard lights override the function of left and right indicators, making it unclear when a matatu intends to turn or change lanes. In heavy traffic, this creates unpredictability and increases the risk of accidents.
The habit also reflects the chaotic driving culture often associated with matatus, where quick lane changes and abrupt stops are routine. While the intention may be to warn, experts argue that sticking to conventional use of indicators and obeying traffic rules is the safer option.
In the end, constant hazard use is a shortcut solution to poor driving discipline—one that endangers, rather than protects, road users.
