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Kenyan Car Culture
Photo Story.
Ask anyone what they know about Nairobi Kenya and stories of wildlife and great marathon runners will definitely be part of their answer. It is well known that Nairobi is the only city with a protected National Park in it and Kenya always produces great athletes, but there is more to Nairobi and one of the hidden gems is the local car culture.
The car community in Kenya has seen rapid growth over the last couple of years. The tremendous growth in use of social media has played a pivotal role in telling and sharing the unique stories, photos and videos that stem form the car culture. This has in turn brought about publicity that was not there before. More people are now aware of the fast cars being driven around the city and it has led to many people wanting to be part of the car fraternity both as racers and fans. More motoring events have sprung up which is a delight to the car community. Car meets are now a norm and track racing events are happening ever so often.
“THE CARS WE DRIVE SAY A LOT ABOUT US….“
–Alexandra Paul
Most people here dream of turbo cars and if you are keen enough, you’ll definitely spot a tuned JDM passing by. Subaru’s were for most part the people’s choice of car but recently more people are embracing German cars with Volkswagens, Audis and Mercedes’ steadily increasing in numbers the last couple of years. Once in a while you’ll spot an American, British or Australian race car but they quite rare.
Banter is never too far away when a group of car enthusiast meet and it is always a good time meeting likeminded people.
Quick Fact
THE AVERAGE CAR CONTAINS OVER 30,000 UNIQUE PARTS.
When you think about it, I am sure you will be pleased that they don’t break down more often.
Despite the motorsports culture in Nairobi, Kenya growing at a steady pace, the number of cars would have been greater were it not for the outrageous taxes on new and used cars. Buying a car in Kenya is not so easy on the wallet for the average local leave alone the car enthusiast. The roads don’t help either with huge speed bumps being erected and becoming a norm on almost all our roads.
As far as the general population goes, some people still don’t understand what’s the point of having a fast car in Nairobi if you can’t fully utilize its speed? Well, the answer from the enthusiasts is always the same “it’s all for the culture and the fun of it.”
The beauty about the car culture in Nairobi is that it is so deep that the enthusiasts seem to know exactly how many cars of a certain make and model there are in the city. This is quite fascinating in all honesty. The best part about all this, as with any culture is the people. Without a doubt, It is in the car community here in Nairobi that I have found some of the most genuine, loving and amazing people.
Key Details
If you love cars in general and consider yourself a petrolhead be sure to follow and check out the following handles on Instagram. Most of the automotive events in kenya are organised and posted by people on those socials.
1. @Deltamotorsportsclub
2. @Motorsports_kenya
3. @Clubttmotorsports
4. @Petrolholicsanonymous
As an automotive photographer, I have had the privilege of documenting some of the best race cars around Kenya for the last 3 years and I hope to keep sharing the amazing stories that come from the car community for many more years to come.
