Road Signs In Kenya And Their Meaning 2024 [Complete Lists]

Do you know that there are numerous road signs, but you as a driver don’t know what it means? The commonest road sign is the STOP which even kids know its meaning. But, as a driver, there are other road signs you need to know to help you survive in the midst of your fellow drivers.

The relevance of road signs is pretty self-explanatory. They restrict motorists from hitting one another, warn of impending hazards, and inform drivers and even pedestrians of the local regulations and laws.

You have probably come across signage that you couldn’t understand its meaning. Would you like to know the numerous triangle traffic signs meaning? Maybe a refresher will boost your knowledge and help you be alert while on the road.

Categories Of Road Signs In Kenya

Did you know that there are different categories of road signs? Have you ever wondered why some road signage is enclosed in a triangle while others are in a circle? Confusing right? Don’t fret; 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.

These are classified according to what they indicate and possess unique imagery that is very easy for drivers to identify. What are the four categories of road signs and their meanings?

• Class A – Regulatory signs.
• Class B – Warning Signs.
• Class C – Traffic light signals.
• Class D – Carriageway markings and Kerb Markings.

There is a reason for the creation and implementation of signage, and the most obvious 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.

Class A – Regulatory Road Signs

The 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 into 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 wouldn’t 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. Red circles are harsh warnings as they are must not be done, 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.

Class B – Warning Signs

The 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 spot road signs.
• Speed bump road signs.
• Traffic merging head signs.
• Traffic signals ahead signs.
• Uneven roads surface ahead of road signs.
• Riverbanks without barriers ahead of road signs.
• The road narrows from the right and left ahead of 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.

Class C – Traffic Lights

Category C possesses various traffic light signs that represent 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 doesn’t endanger other road users’ lives.
• Red And Amber Light Up Together: Immediately after the appropriate duration, the traffic light turns amber in addition to the red that was lit to stop the driver earlier. Drivers shouldn’t move since the red light is still on and its impact is active. Only when the red and amber switch off are vehicles allowed to proceed.
• Green: The green light signifies movement, and when on, the amber and red are off. This way, drivers can approach the junction but must 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 were in motion on the lane the light applies must stop. The only exception is automobiles that are too close to the stop, and terminating their movement would be dangerous.

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.

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 the other lights’ state. The opposite is also true, whereby the arrow might be in red.

Class D – Carriageway And Kerb Markings

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.

Another unique thing about these road signs is that they are painted in longitudinal or sometimes along traffic flow directions. You might also spot them in perpendicular or transverse lines. If you are not familiar with the signage, you can check out pictures of road signs to learn more about them and apply them on Kenyan roads.

One of the most common such signs on Kenyan roads is the Zebra crossing. You will find this among the most crucial list of 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.

Whether it is informatory road signs or any other, drivers must abide by and adhere to the road signage as stipulated by the National Transport and Safety Authority. How will there be sanity when every driver is not sticking to the provided signage on the roads?

The numerous 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.

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