Kenya road signs and meanings pdf

Types of road signs in kenya. Kenya traffic road signs and meanings. Kenya road signs and their meanings pdf. Road signs in kenya and their meaning.

It is important to understand the road signs in Kenya if you want to be considered a good road user. Driving schools are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that all road users, especially motorists know and understand these signs. This is why taking tests before being licensed as a valid driver is necessary. Some of the common road signs on
Kenyan roads are impossible to miss. The red triangle is an indicator of an unseen danger ahead. The hazard could be anything from a bend to a hill. Red circles are harsh warnings and drivers should never neglect them.The blue circles indicate things that drivers must do on particular roads. Ignoring these could very easily work against you. To
avoid getting into accidents, ensure that you always pay attention to these road signs. 4 Categories of Kenyan Road Signs There are four categories of road signs in Kenya according to the National Transport and Safety Authority's (NTSA) Highway code for all road users. Most road signs and what they mean are categorized based on what they
indicate. Each category of signs has a distinct graphic representation which makes it easy for drivers to identify.They include: 1. Class A – Regulatory Signs 2. Class B – Warning Signs 3. Class C – Traffic Light Signals 4. Class D – Carriageway Markings and Kerb Markings Class A – Regulatory Signs These are mostly circular shaped signs. They
instruct motorists and road users on what to do. The circular signs could also be instruction signs. Class B – Warning Signs These road signs come mainly with triangular shapes. They are meant to warn road users of certain things that could cause danger. Some of the road signs in this category include: Falling rocks ahead River bend crossing road
Blind spot Speed bump Traffic merging ahead Traffic signal ahead Uneven road surface Riverbank with no barrier ahead Road narrows from the right ahead All you have to do is to check for the road signs with names and learn how to interpret them because a slight variation in a sign could totally change its meaning. Class C – Traffic Light
Signals According to The Traffic Act (p.
218), the sequence of the lights shown for the purpose of controlling the movement of vehicles shall be: (i) red (ii) red and amber (iii) green (iv) amber The most important rules include these four combinations. However, we strongly recommend that you read all the traffic rules and strictly follow them to avoid any accidents. Class D – Carriageway
Markings and Kerb Markings Some of these signs are mandatory and must be obeyed, others convey warnings and yet others provide helpful information. In this post, we will summarize these signs. First, some definitions. Carriageway signs are those lines you find painted on road surfaces. In Kenya, these are either white or yellow, and
either continuous (sometimes called solid) or broken (sometimes referred to as dashed). Some are painted in pairs, “double lines”, other times a single line is used. Longitudinal lines are set alongside the direction of traffic flow. Transverse lines are set across the roadway, perpendicular to the flow of traffic. Here they are: Yellow color Yellow
longitudinal lines are used to separate traffic flowing in opposite directions. Therefore you should always keep them to your right. This is a helpful clue in the case you ever see a yellow line along your left-hand side, you are clearly driving on the wrong side of the road. Yellow markings on kerbs are used to prohibit stopping or parking alongside such
kerbs. Kerb markings Specifically, a continuous yellow line on a kerb prohibits all vehicles (except bicycles) from stopping beside the line, except for as long as necessary to comply with the movement of traffic or the requirements of another traffic sign; or enable a passenger to board or alight the vehicle; or enable goods to be loaded or unloaded
from the vehicle.

White color White lines on the carriageways or on kerbs are used in all other instances.
Solid lines imply a mandatory requirement that you don’t cross or straddle them. Broken longitudinal lines are permissive, while continuous ones are restrictive.

Double continuous lines indicate maximum levels of restriction; you should not cross or straddle them. You must not cross or straddle continuous longitudinal lines as these are commonly used to prohibit overtaking along dangerous bends and steep ascents. And this injunction is stronger for double solid lines. When a solid line is paired with a broken
one, you may cross or straddle it if the broken line is on the left of the solid one otherwise, you are prohibited from those actions. Going by the number of vehicles we see overtaking along, or driving astride, both solid and double solid lines all over the country, clearly these rules are highly misunderstood or actively flouted. Take heed though as,
fortunately, there is often enforcement effort by traffic police officers in some of these areas particularly on heavily trafficked inter-city roads.
Conversely, you may cross or straddle broken longitudinal lines as long as doing so does not inconvenience or endanger the safety of other road users. For example, you may do so in order to overtake slower vehicles, change lanes or turn onto another road. Hatched areas Another associated type of marking consists of an area that is hatched or
hashed in yellow or white diagonal lines bordered by continuous lines of the same color. All vehicles are prohibited from crossing or straddling these markings. The only exception is when the vehicle’s size or construction causes it to do so, and the encroachment is not more than is reasonable under the circumstances. This is another often abused
type of road sign in Kenya, with speeding drivers using these areas as “overtaking lanes”, especially on rural roads. You would do well to be on the lookout for traffic police officers if you use this unsafe maneuver routinely. Pedestrian crossings (aka “zebra crossings”) A roadway marking consisting of white longitudinal lines extending across the
road, accompanied by a blue “Crossing Place for Pedestrian” traffic sign indicates a crossing place for pedestrians and requires that all vehicles approaching it to give way to any pedestrian crossing the area marked by the strips. Similarly, a roadway marking consisting of two white transverse lines accompanied by the “Stop, Children Crossing”
traffic sign or a traffic light signal, requires every vehicle approaching it to stop and not encroach on the area between the lines if doing so would endanger or inconvenience a pedestrian thereon. Road signs in Kenya help in maintaining safe driving conditions. One can know how fast they are meant to drive or when to stop or enter a junction.
However, at times, some drivers and pedestrians tend to ignore some of these signs. As a result, they end up causing accidents. For sanity to reign on the roads, motorists and pedestrians may need to understand road signs and meanings to stay safe while using the roads.Common road signs. Photo: @stuxSource: UGCThe relevance of road signs is
self-explanatory. They restrict motorists from hitting one another, warn of impending hazards, and inform drivers and even pedestrians of the local regulation and laws.Road signs and meanings in KenyaYou have probably come across a sign whose meaning you couldn't understand. Would you like to know the numerous triangle traffic signs meaning?

Maybe a refresher will boost your knowledge and help you to be alert while on the road. Importantly, you should know that they are divided into categories.Did you know that there are different categories of roads signs? Have you ever wondered why some road signage are enclosed in a triangle while others in a circle? Confusing right?
The signage is basic information representing specific codes that you are probably aware of.According to the National Transport and Safety Authority’s Highway code for all road users, there are four road sign categories. The list includes the two major road signs in Kenya. In some countries, there are up to 5 types of traffic signs. However, in Kenya
there only four. These are classified according to what they indicate and possess unique imagery that is straightforward for drivers to identify. So, what are the 4 types of road signs?Class A – Regulatory signs.Class B – Warning Signs.Class C – Traffic lights signals.Class D – Carriageway markings and kerb markings.There is a reason for the creation
and implementation of signage, and the most obvious one is the protection and prevention of accidents. Therefore, it is integral for the public to learn more about the four categories of road signs in Kenya and their meanings to create a safe environment. In some countries, there are up to 5 types of traffic signs.Regulatory road signs. Photo:
academia.edu, @Muhura DedanSource: UGCRegulatory road signs. Photo: academia.edu, @Muhura DedanSource: UGCRegulatory road signs. Photo: academia.edu, @Muhura DedanSource: UGCThe first class of road signs in Kenya referred to as regulatory signs, ordinarily, have a circle with a blue or white background. All circle road signs fall
under this category. However, sometimes you might find some Class A signs on the road with an octagon or inverted triangle.You will notice from the road signs and meanings chart that the octagon is often associated with the stop sign, which is very common on the roads, and you probably would not miss it.

Drivers ought to adhere to the regulatory signs no matter what.The Class A signs are designed to inform road users of the laws they ought to comply with except roundabout, give way, and stop signs. Driving schools are tasked with ensuring that all road users, especially motorists, know and understand these signs. This is why taking tests before
being licensed as a valid driver is necessary. Some of the regulatory road signs on Kenyan roads are impossible to miss or ignore. Red circles are harsh warnings as they are must not do, and drivers should never neglect them. On the other hand, the blue circles indicate things that drivers must do on particular roads. Ignoring these could easily work
against you.Warning signs. Photo: academia.edu, @Muhura DedanSource: UGCWarning signs. Photo: academia.edu, @Muhura DedanSource: UGCWarning signs. Photo: academia.edu, @Muhura DedanSource: UGCWarning signs.
Photo: academia.edu, @Muhura DedanSource: UGCWarning signs. Photo: academia.edu, @Muhura DedanSource: UGCThe second category is the warning or class B signs. These prohibitory road signs are meant to pre-empt a hazard ahead and prepare the driver to take caution. They are mainly red triangles with black symbols except for two
chevron signs with styled arrows. Some of the most common warning road signs on Kenyan roads include:Falling rocks ahead signs.The river bends crossing road signs.Blinds spots road signs.Speed bump road signs.Traffic merging head signs.Traffic signals ahead signs.Uneven roads surface ahead road signs.Riverbanks without barriers ahead road
signs.The road narrows from the right and left ahead road signs.All you have to do is check for the road signs with names and learn how to interpret them because a slight variation in a sign could change its meaning. Also, if you miss a meaning, you are likely to cause an accident, and you do not want that to happen.Class C – Traffic lightsTraffic
lights.
Photo: academia.edu, @Muhura DedanSource: UGCCategories C possesses various numerous traffic light signage that represents different instructions and alerts to the road user. For instance, the traffic light signals, red, green, and amber, must be adhered to at every junction to ascertain proper traffic flow and avoid confusion on busy
roads.According to the Traffic Act (p. 218), the sequence of the lights shown to control the movement of vehicles shall be:Red: All automobiles approaching this light ought to stop before crossing the stop line. Drivers should not cross the stop line unless the traffic light turns green and proceeding does not endanger other road users' lives. Red and
amber (light up together): Immediately after the appropriate duration, the traffic light turn amber in addition to the red that lit to stop the driver earlier. Drivers shouldn't move since the red light is still on and its impact active. Only when the red and amber switch off are vehicles allowed to proceed. Overall, they imply an impending change.Green:
The green light signifies movement, and when on, the amber and red are off. This way, drivers can approach the junction, but must strictly adhere to other road safety rules. If there are uniformed police at the intersection, drivers must obey their instructions as well.Amber: The amber light, illuminated alone, follows the green light that notifies
drivers to move. All vehicles that are in motion on the lane when the light comes up must stop. The only exception is automobiles that are too close to the stop, and terminating their movement would endanger road users' lives.The most important rules include these four combinations. However, it is strongly recommended that you read all the traffic
rules and strictly follow them to avoid accidents. Also, this helps you from being fined for traffic offences.Sometimes, you might find some traffic lights with other bulbs and arrows that help in directing traffic. For instance, a green arrow pointing to the left tells the driver that they can proceed to that section of the road regardless of other lights'
state. The opposite is also true, whereby the arrow might be in red.These types of road signs are ordinarily painted on road surfaces and kerbs. Often, they are in yellow or white. You have probably noticed continuous or broken lines on highways that split road lanes between oncoming and ongoing traffic on single-carriage roads. This is an excellent
example of carriage and kerb markings in Kenya.Yellow: Often, the longitudinal ones are used to regulate and separate traffic flow in opposite directions. Usually, they should be on your right-hand side when you are driving. In other instances, the yellow lines are used to mark kerb markings to imply that you are not allowed to park or stop in that
area.White: Usually, they are seen on carriageways and kerbs. Continuous longitudinal lines are restrictive while broken ones are permissive. In an instance you see double continuous lines, you should know that there is maximum restriction. Thus, you are prohibited from crossing or straddling them.Kerb markings: Continuous yellow lines indicate
that all vehicles are prohibited from stopping or parking beside the line.
The only road users allowed to stop beside the lines are bicycle riders.Pedestrian crossings: These are common, especially on busy roads. The Zebra crossing, for instance, indicates that pedestrians are crossing in that area.
It is among the significant road signs in Kenya.
Usually, they are painted in longitudinal or sometimes along with traffic flow directions. You might also spot them in perpendicular or transverse lines.One of the most common such signs on Kenyan roads is the Zebra crossing. You will find this among the most crucial road signs and their meanings during driving classes because of its colossal safety
significance. It is painted on the road in areas where people or children often cross to give them the right of way.What are the 8 colours used for road signs?In addition to understanding Kenyan road signs and their meanings, you may also want to know what the colours on them mean. Below are the most common colours used on the Kenyan road
signs:Black and whiteThey are often used in informatory and regulatory signs. For instance, they are used in marking speed limits. If you have noticed, most speed limits are in black and on white backgrounds.YellowThe yellow colour is common with warning signs. It may indicate that one is supposed to slow down or drive with caution. At times, it
may be used together with the green colour.OrangeLike yellow, it may be used to warn motorists of a temporary. For example, they may be used on signs that inform motorist about ongoing construction work. Often, the orange colour is used alongside a black one.GreenGreen is usually used for guide signs. For example, they are used to tell motorist
where they are and the road they are supposed to take.
Also, they indicate the distance one is supposed to cover to reach their destination.BrownBrown is used on signs that convey less critical information. They are meant to command the attention of a motorist. Where are they used? Parks and recreation parks.BlueSimilar to green, blue is used for guide signs. The colour is common on signs that indicate
rest places, gas stations, hospitals, and lodging.RedIn most instance, red indicates danger.
For this reason, it is used on signs that pass crucial/regulatory information to motorists. Overall, it is among the most important in the 3 categories of signs (warning, regulatory, and warning).Motorists and pedestrians must abide and adhere to the road signs and meanings as stipulated by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Arguably, there can be sanity on the roads if every driver sticks to the provided signage on the roads. Consequently, this will reduce road accidents significantly.DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional help or advice and should
not be relied on to make decisions. Any action taken upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!Are you a driver trying to familiarize yourself with the highway code in Kenya? Tuko.co.ke featured an interesting piece about the National Transport and Safety Authority’s highway code for motorists,
cyclists and pedestrians.These instructions ensure that roads remain safe and avoid conflicts. Whenever conflict arises, like an accident, insurance companies and traffic police use the highway code to establish liability. Therefore, drivers ought to learn and abide by it. Subscribe to watch new videos Source: TUKO.co.ke