Additional safety gear for Kenyan bodaboda's to reduce common injuries

The number of motorcycle accidents are greatly increasing each day due to negligence, incompetence, impunity and poor safety equipment placing a huge strain on our county health systems. This is something that can be avoided if regulations are implemented by law enforcers. If this is not addressed then majority of our county hospitals will be filled with admitted bodaboda riders and victims. Anyone who has visited Kenyatta National Hospital bodaboda victims ward will agree with this. Most of these riders have little regard to traffic rules. It is noted that most of the riders train themselves for a day or two in an open field and next day they are in business carrying passengers meaning they are not exposed to skills test. This includes observing speed limits ,maneuvering around corners, swerving and adhering to all road signs.We also have very few riders driving schools which specialize on riders in this country which is a concern.Experts have concurred with a previous study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that expressed concern at the high number of motorcycle crashes. In a bid to enhance safety in Kenya’s motorcycle taxi business, NTSA announced new measures. These included compelling suppliers and dealers of two- and three-wheeled motorcycles to ensure they only sell vehicles complete with two helmets and two reflective jackets. Helmets and jackets should bear the registration number of the motorcycle of which afew have complied to it. The safety gear in the traffic act is not enough and only talks of helmet and high visibility jacket which can be improved a little more for the safety of the riders. A few may not agree with this but this is a fact considering the kind of common injuries we have found in the county hospitals.

When safely riding a motorcycle one should have the following equipment for road riding,A Helmet,Eye protection, Riding, Jacket with reflector's, Gloves, Riding Trousers,Leather Boots,Protection (Knee guards, bodyarmour).An American research shows that when a motorcycle passenger are not in helmets, protective suits, gloves and boots are twenty seven times more likely to die in crashes and six times likely to be injured when compared to car passenger's. A motorcyclist is two and a half times more likely to be involved in an accident when compared to a motor vehicle driver. Helmets: The primary work of a helmet is to protect the rider's head in the case of an accident, thus preventing or reducing head injury and saving the rider's life. The helmet absorbs all the impact during a crash that could have gone to the riders head. Wearing a helmet greatly reduces head injury and death. We have different types of helmets namely: Full-face, Open-face ¾ helmet, Motocross/off-road, Dual-sport, Flip up/Modular helmets.

Full face A full face helmet covers the entire head, from the base of the skull to the front of the chin. Such helmets have an open cutout in a band across the eyes and nose, and often include a clear or tinted transparent plastic face shield, known as a visor, that generally moves up and down to allow access to the face. The visor keeps the wind and insects away from your face. These helmets offer the most protection to the rider since they cover the whole face and head area. These helmets have added features such as vents to keep the rider cool, sunshields for use when sunny, chin straps for fastening, removable and washable inner lining. Off-road / Motocross A motocross helmet showing the elongated sun peak and chin bar.The motocross and off-road helmet has an elongated chin and peak, a chin bar, and partially open face to give the rider extra protection while wearing goggles and to allow the rider maximum flow of air during riding. The peak is to allow the rider to dip his or her head and provide further protection from flying debris during off road riding. It will also keep the sun out of the eyes of the rider during jumps. Modular/Flip Helmet The modular helmet is a hybrid between full face and open face helmet. It’s mainly for street use and touring. It is also referred to as the "flip-up" helmet. When fully assembled and closed, they resemble full face helmets by bearing a chin bar for absorbing face impacts. Its chin bar may be pivoted upwards. The rider may thus eat, drink or have a conversation without unfastening the chinstrap and removing the helmet .It is also popular with people who use eyeglasses as it allows them to fit a helmet without removing their glasses. This helmet is also widely used by the traffic police and bikers who do touring. Open face or 3/4 helmet Open face helmet with attached face shield The open face, or "three-quarters", helmet covers the ears, cheeks, and back of the head, but lacks the lower chin bar of the full face helmet. Many offer Snap-On visors that may be used by the rider to reduce the impact of wind, insects and the sun. An open face helmet provides the same rear protection as a full face helmet, but little protection to the face. Insects, dust, or even wind to the face and eyes can cause rider discomfort or injury. As a result, sunglasses or goggles are used with these helmets. Other open face helmets have a visor, which is more effective in stopping flying insects from entering the helmet. Dual Sport Helmets A dual sport helmet resembles an off-road helmet but it has an added feature of a visor. These are called dual sport because it can be used with the visor on and serve as a full-face helmet or with the visor removed and replaced with goggles as an off-road helmet. These helmets are popular with riders who ride both on and off road. The problem however with our bodaboda helmets are the cheap imports from China that do not meet any safety standards. A spot check proved that they are many helmets cracking on dropping them on the floor. They are so cheap some going as low as five hundred shillings but since there are no strict regulation they get away with it hence compromising the safety of Kenyan's. This is a very serious matter that need to be addressed otherwise if one had an impact then, more injuries will come your way.

Before buying a helmet you need to consider these points: 1.Your head size: measured in (cm) Adult 56cm is small, 58cm Medium, 60cm Large, 62cm XL, 64cm XXL 2. Your head shape: there are three head shapes namely Round Oval, Long Oval and Horizontal Oval. Different manufacturers have different head shaped helmets. 3. The helmet certification. Helmets are certified according to the country they are used. All American used helmets must be certified by Department of Transportation (DOT), likewise all European helmets must have the Economic Commission of Europe (ECE) certification. These two DOT and ECE are the most widely used bodies. Other helmet testing bodies are Sharp Rating –UK and the SNELL Memorial Foundation-USA. Normally a sticker is placed on the rear of the helmet showing the certification used. 4. Extra features on the helmet. Is the visor anti scratch? Is the inner lining removable and washable? What locking system they use? Ratchet or double d-ring? How many vents does the helmet have?

Riding jackets A riding jacket could either be made from leather or textile. Leather jackets are recommended for road/highway use as they reduce abrasion a lot. While textile jackets are recommended for off-road riding due to their ability to keep you cool. The riding jacket should have these features: 1. Shoulder guards, elbow guards and back protectors. These are usually specially made inserts which can be removed during cleaning. 2. Some jackets are vented for use in the hot season while others have a removable thermal lining for the cold season. While others have a double flap at the front to reduce the amount of wind/cold to the chest. 3. Some jackets have reflective stripes sewn onto them for the visibility of the rider at night, while others are made of high visibility materials such that during the day the rider is very visible 4. The style of jackets vary depending also on the bike one rides. We have jackets for commuting, touring, racing, cruisers etc. Eye Protection Depending on the helmet used a rider needs eye protection.While using an off-road helmet off-road goggles are recommended. While using an open face helmet or half face helmet road goggles or sunglasses are used.

Riding Gloves Motorcycle riding gloves are made from leather or textile. While riding on the highway leather is recommended as it is usually very good in breaking falls and it doesn’t tear quickly due to its toughness. Leather also lasts longer than textile.Textile gloves are used for off-road riding for purposes of keeping the hands cool and increasing feel. Nowadays both textile and leather gloves have carbon, Kevlar on the knuckles for protection during a fall. Riding Trousers Motorcycle riding trousers are made from leather or textile material. They have inbuilt pockets that have knee guards and hip guards which protect against a fall. Leather is recommended for highway use as it reduces abrasion drastically while the textile trousers are used for off-road riding as they keep the rider cool. The trousers also have a removable thermal inner lining for use during the cold weather. Leather Boots Motorcycle riding boots are made from leather and differ depending on the style of riding involved.There are Motocross boots, Cruiser boots, Racing boots, Commuting boots, touring boots.Motocross boots are designed specifically for off-road, motocross (MX) or off-road riding. To help prevent a rider's feet and legs from being injured, motocross boots are typically much stiffer than regular motorcycle boots or racing boots.A racing boot by TCX Racing boots are designed for riding a motorcycle on hard pavement (either the street or a race track) and are usually between 10 and 14 inches in height and made from a combination of leather, metal, and plastic. Due to the high speeds when racing they have reinforced ankles, toes and heel protection Touring boots by LT Similar to racing boots, touring boots are designed specifically for riding a motorcycle on hard pavement, but with less armored protection than racing boots since they are intended for riders that typically ride on city streets and highways, not race tracks. They are usually between 10 and 14 inches in height and made from a combination of leather, metal, hard rubber, plastic and/or man-made fabrics to create a form-fitting, but comfortable boot.

The body armor is a mesh vest that is armored on the shoulders, elbows chest and spine. It offers additional protection when worn under a jacket in case of a fall as it has the ability to absorb impact very well. They’re available in children to adult sizes.The spine guard is a worn primarily to offer protection to the spine while riding. It has two straps which support the spine guard. Both children and adult sizes are available.The chest plate is made from hard plastic and is worn mainly by motocross riders.It protects the chest from rocks and the spine from falls. It’s available in children and adult sizes.Elbow guards protect the elbows during a fall. These are mainly worn with the spine guard or chest plate. Both adult and children sizes are available.These are made from hard plastic and protect the knee and shin area during a fall. Some knee and shin guards are straight while other are hinged.In motocross riders use more advanced protection called knee braces. These offer more protection to the knee area offering a guarantee that the knee can’t break.Kidney Belt,During riding the rider experiences a lot of movements such that the kidney belt is tied around the rider’s kidney are to hold the kidneys in place and support the back also. Neck Brace A neck brace is designed to help reduce neck injuries in case of a crash

All the above are available locally at the Bikers Garage Ltd located in Warwick Center Gigiri at pocket friendly prices among other bike shops n the country. Road safety starts with me.

Ford F-150 Raptor on Kenyan road's

This 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor is an American truck known for her agility and power.Two of these have been spotted in Nairobi, one at Village Market and this in particular one is somewhere off Mombasa road.

What is this this Ford F-150?The SVT Raptor is a high-performance version of Ford's venerable F-150 pickup truck that is one of the most unique and capable off-road production vehicles ever made. With an extra-wide stance, specially-engineered suspension and oversized tires, the SVT Raptor (which is also available in Supercrew form) is unwieldy on the pavement but a superhero in the desert, where it can travel at nearly triple-digit speeds through terrain that would tear lesser trucks apart.

Powertrain comes from a 6.2-liter SOHC V8 that produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels (four-wheel-drive is standard, as one would expect) and features a full manual mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection - upshifts are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

The 6.2 L V8 went into production in early 2010 and debuted in the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor as a late-availability option. A limited edition version of the Raptor from Ford Racing called the Raptor XT features a high output version of the 6.2 L V8 with approximately 500 horsepower (370 kW). For the 2011 model year, the 6.2 L V8 was introduced in Ford's Super Duty pickups as a replacement for both the 5.4 L Triton V8 and the 6.8 L Triton V10 and in the F-150 as the premium engine option, though it is not available in all configurations

Out of all Ford F-150 models available, the SVT Raptor is by far, the most exciting truck to drive. Geared toward higher performance than the other models, the F-150 SVT Raptor is a high-powered pickup truck designed for off-road domination. The SVT Raptor’s bold appearance, aggressive power and durable construction make it a great truck to own.

Posh Auto Body opens in Nairobi

Multiple Group yesterday launched a new state-of-the-art and one of its kind Facility in Sub-Saharan Africa.It is Off Mombasa road next to Syokimau new standard gauge railway.A culmination of their ongoing efforts to further develop premium automotive capabilities.

POSH Auto Body EA Limited is their third automotive investment totaling to USD 1.2 Million after PORSCHE CENTRE NAIROBI LIMITED the authorized importer and distributor of PORSCHE Premium vehicles offering New Vehicle Sales and Aftersales service that was opened in 2014.

This was preceded by the investments made at RT East Africa that focuses on MAN Trucks & Buses as well as the assembly of RANDON Trailers and other Heavy Commercial Vehicles’ original equipment supplies. As an automotive entity, they aim to deliver total satisfaction and premium experience to their customers. comprises of highly skilled professionals who are This Auto body facility has exceptionally trained staff to provide superior collision repair services to customers equal to none within the region. 

This facility is well equipped with the finest European equipment and technology that emphasis on quality assurance processes that have been prudently put in place to ensure commitment to business excellence with guaranteed customer- satisfaction and delight for all their customers when attending to their special needs. This also gives a high repair accuracy based on advanced electronics for minor and major chassis repair.Customers will be able to look forward to 16,000 square feet worth of premium space, facilities and technologies.

The scope of repairs cover all vehicle segments and include Chassis Alignment Systems, Advanced electronically controlled welding equipment, Electronically controlled paint mixing system providing accurate color matching of the prominent shades of global car makers, Low bake ovens, Paint drying system ,Wheel refurbishment system to match nearly all colors of alloy wheels, Plastic and smart repairs, Infrared drying system. Transparent and fully computerized Audatex (online software for estimates approved worldwide in Europe and USA)and Blasmatics estimation procedures for all bodyshop repairs leaving an audit trail which is effective in monitoring and only takes half an hour unlike our Jua Kali friends who take a day

 Their future plans this year comprise of a similar state-of-the-art integrated Body and Chassis Straitening facility for Trucks and Heavy Commercial Vehicles, and of course, following the latest trends of the automotive industry, the introduction of the aluminium repairs department, that will cover all kind of needs in body repairs, of the new generation of passenger vehicles, which are built, using extensive aluminium structures. Facilities that will also be equipped, with the finest European equipment and technology.



KING OFF THE ROAD finally launched in Nairobi

KING OFF THE ROAD was launched yesterday (Friday)at Nairobi Arboretum Park, State house Rd by TOYOTA KENYA LTD at a very colorful event. In October last year on this blog, we spoke about this beast. Over 21 units of this VX-R been sold locally. Here are some of the specifications of TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 200 Series. The Model VDJ200R-GNTVZ VX (QQ)powered by a 4.5 Liter, Twin Turbo 1VD-FTV, 8 Cylinder, V-line producing 173Kw / 3,200rpm of power and 615Nm / 1,800 - 2,200rpm of Torque. The power train uses Common Rail Diesel Type with 6 Speed Auto, Sequential Shift, 4WD transmission. The gross weight of the King is 3.4 ton. Front Suspension has Double Wishbone Coil Spring with Stabilizer while the rear has 4-link Type Suspension with Coil Spring On the tyres the ride uses 285/50R20 alloy wheels. Front brakes are ventilated. The currently available engine are diesel with a fuel capacity of 93 Litres (+45 Extra).There are several exterior colours to choose from namely Super White II, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Black, Attitude Black Mica, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Beige Mica Metallic, Copper Brown Mica, Dark Blue Mica Metallic, White Pearl CS

Standard Features include Chrome Roof Rail, LED Headlamps, Cruise Control, Side Steps with cover, Power adjustable front seats, Pintle Hook, Illuminated entry system with Scuff plate illumination,20" Alloy Rims, Smart Entry & Start System, Rear Mud Flaps ,Wireless Smartphone Charging ,Rear Spoiler,4 Zone Auto Air/Con with Front & Rear Controls, Front Fog Lamps, Memory Seat + Steering Setting ,Body Coloured Front & Rear Bumpers, Cooler Box in Centre console, Spare tyre mounted underside of cargo floor, AM/FM/DVD/Bluetooth Audio with 9" Screen & 14 JBL Speakers, Engine Sump Protector & Fuel Tank protector, Front+ Rear + Side Cameras, Headlight washers, Premium Leather Seats, Side Protection Moulding, Front + 2ND Row Seat Heaters, Front & Rear Bumper Spoilers, Multi-Terrain Mode Select System,40/20/40 Second row seat back split fold

Safety & Security include Power Steering with VGRS+VFC+AVS(DRIVE MODE SELECT),Alarm + Immobilser,Multi Functional Steering Wheel (Audio+Display+Tel+Voice),Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),Leather + Wood Steering Wheel & Gear Shift Knobs Crawl Control, Active Height Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Moon & Sun roof ,Active Traction Control (A-TRC) Clearance & Back Sonar, Hillstart Assist Control (HAC),4WD Switch Dial (H4/L4),Brake Assist (BA),Dual Rear Seat Entertainment Screens with 2 Headphones ,Electric Brakeforce Distribution (EBD),4.2'' TFT Screen for Rear, side & Front Camera Views & Multi Information Display,12 Airbags System ( Dual D+P+CSA (FR+2nd+3rd) + SIDE A/B (FR+2nd)+ Knee Airbag (D+P) On purchasing a brand new unit which is currently going for 21 million shillings, customers will enjoy a warranty a period of 36 Months or 100,000 Kilometers, Whichever comes first. Please also note the LX 570 is also available but on order. It is available on a petrol engine

D-Max 'MOMO' introduced in Kenya

General Motors dealers of Isuzu models among others have brought in a lifted mud truck by the nicknamed 'MOMO' perhaps due to her big size. This D-Max 'MOMO' has incredible toughness, remarkable resilience against the elements and impressive power delivery throughout the extreme off-road conditions. The vehicle has not been spotted by many although it's popular in other countries where is used in sports activities. It has been selected due to its fault-free run and amazing performance in the most extreme off-road expeditions with participants driving over sheer 80 degree slopes and knee-high mud. This impressive ride is going for about ten Million shillings due to modifications and available at General Motors showroom along Mombasa road.

The ordinary D-Max is a well known brand proving that a reliable ride can be comfortable too, the Isuzu D-Max Double Cab is as spacious as it is hard-working. Passengers can look forward to the D-Max’s: Legendary ride comfort, Spacious rear seating and Expanded rear entry and exit areas.The ease of entry, exit and comfort ensures an enjoyable ride, even during long journeys. The all-new range has even eliminated most of the cabin noise and vibration by her Common Rail Direct Injection, Turbo Charger and Intercooler technology. What you’re left with is a robust hauler that handles like a dream with an interior reminiscent of a luxury car.

A Fleet favourite, the Double Cab will get you further for less. It’s 2.5litre or 3.0 litres engines are fuel efficient and low on maintenance costs, with some of the lowest costs per kilometre in this segment, lowering operational costs. Safety is key and you will travel safely with features such as rear park assist on selected models, ABS that supports EBD (electronic brake force distribution and six airbags. There are seven kind of colours to choose from during your purchase

The all-new lsuzu D-Max that was launched in May this year has been gaining popularity particularly for its impressively spacious and comfortable cabin, excellent comfort and dynamic engine performance. It features a new 2.5-litre engine that delivers better performance than the older 3-litre engine, making the all-new D-Max a better vehicle whether on or off paved roads while offering superior fuel efficiency than before.

Be safe on our Kenyan roads in 2016 with good suspensions.

Let's call a spade a spade,Most Kenyan cars suffer from noisy suspension. Few take it for granted not knowing the dangers.A noisy car suspension can mean you're in for a bumpy ride, especially if the issue isn't addressed. Discover what different sounds mean and what has to be fixed. Most people think of a vehicle’s suspension as the shock-absorbing function: the feature that allows you a comfortable, smooth ride. But when your car begins to sound funny when you go over a speed bump or turn a corner, more than just the comfort of your ride may be at stake. Worn shocks can increase the time and distance it takes you to stop your car in an emergency situation. Industry experts estimate that worn shocks add, on average of 10% to your stopping distance. At any speed, that 10% can translate to a big difference in your ability to avoid an accident.

How car suspension systems work. Attached to your vehicle’s frame are springs that absorb the jolt of the road’s ups and downs. The shock absorbers do just that: they absorb the shock of the springs’ movement. Around the shock absorber, is a coil spring called a strut. The strut adds to the shock dissipation. These parts work together to deliver a smoother ride and to keep your tires on the road. Don’t ruin your tires One clue the suspension system isn't working properly is uneven wear on your tires, since the shocks should be providing even pressure throughout the tire. You’re already going to have to replace suspension parts; don’t add new car tires to the cost.

Is your car making some of these noises? More importantly, don’t compromise your own safety by driving around with bad shocks and struts. Many noises can emanate from worn or malfunctioning parts and can alert you to problems: 1.A knocking sound when going over bumps or turning corners likely means your worn-out shocks are causing your coil springs to vibrate wildly against your vehicle’s chassis. 2.A grunt or a squeak on bumps or turns means your front steering mechanism is wearing out. This can cause you to lose control of your steering. 3.Bad ball joints in your suspension have been described as sounding like rusty door hinges when you move up and down or back and forth.The effects on above car photo at times. 4.Rattles are harder to diagnose, since many parts of the suspension can make this noise when starting to wear out.

See your local mechanic Describe any and all unusual noises to your local mechanic. They can help diagnose the problem much quicker this way. Suspension systems not only are complicated; they’re also crucial to your safety. Don't hesitate to visit a repair shop if you notice any of the above noises while driving.

Reasons to check your brake pads after Christmas holidays

Happy new year, After the long Christmas holidays most Kenyan's have travelled back to their work places from upcountry. Some of us did thousands of kilometer's which on the other side could affected your car in a way or another due to our rough roads,dust etc. I will concentrate on a few tips to check on your car brake system .Brake pads are the part of your braking system that absorb heat and energy and provide the grip necessary to stop your car.They take the brunt of the frictional force when the brakes are applied, and so they require regular maintenance. Fortunately, brake pads are designed to show clear signals when they need to be replaced. Here are 5 of those signals. Unusual Sounds When Braking If you can hear your car braking, chances are it needs your attention. Worn out brake pads will often make a noise like metal grinding when your car is in motion, and the sound will get louder as the brakes are pumped.Consider any unusual noise from your braking system a warning signal that the pads should be checked. Brake Pads Appear Thin You can see your brake pads by looking through the spaces between your wheel spokes. Check for their thickness. Generally, brake pads shouldn’t be thinner than ¼ inch.Some brake pads are made with a slot in the centre that functions as a wear indicator – it’s a small piece of metal that contacts the brake rotor when the pad has been worn to a certain level. When the wear indicator grinds against the rotor, it will notify you with a squealing noise.

Accumulation of Dust Check your wheel for the amount of brake dust that has accumulated. A by-product of brakes under normal operation, brake dust is a mixture of metallic particles that wear off the surface of the pad.As the pads wear out, the amount of dust they give off will decrease. Noticing cleaner-looking wheels is often a sign brake pads need replacement. Vibrating Steering Wheel A vibrating steering wheel can happen for a number of reasons. It could mean bent rims, that your tires need to be rotated, or there’s a problem with your braking system. If the steering wheel vibrates only when brakes are applied, it’s likely the latter. Start by inspecting the brake pads. Spongy Brake Pedal If your brake pedal feels spongy, slow to respond, or if you find yourself having to press down further than usual on the pedal, it could be a sign of brake pad wear.Pay attention to the alignment of your car as you’re in motion – if it tends to pull to one side, this could also be a sign. Don’t wait for one of these signs to become evident. Check your brake pads every 10,000 kilometers , or refer to your car’s owner manual to find out what’s right for your car. Proper brake pad maintenance means fewer costly repairs and certainty that you can always stop safely.

2015 the year that was and what it brought on our Kenyan roads

Our beloved country Kenya has a very vibrant and upcoming middle class. This year (2015)alone ,very expensive rides have been spotted in Nairobi and Mombasa towns. Some have foreign registrations but frequently seen in our social places as well as the shopping malls. Most of the rides here have a price range up to 30 Million shillings.

The supercars range from Bentley Continental GT, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, Porsche GTS and GT, Ferrari, Lambo, Nissan GT-R, Royce Royce Phantom and Ghost as well, Corvette, Jaguars, Range Rovers including Autography and Khan name them just to name afew.

We wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2016.Looking forward to see which new cars will be on our Kenyan roads