Silvia Njoki Kamau, fashion designer and blogger: 'No matatu intimidates me'

What type of car do you drive?

A red Toyota Runx.

What nickname have you christened it?

Hello Kitty. It came with a ‘Hello Kitty’ metal tag and I decided to keep the name.

What modifications have you made to your car to give it a personal touch?

I changed the tyres and rims, and got a new radio and sound system.

What girly stuff do you carry in your car?

Oh my! My boot is a mini-closet. I have sunglasses, heels, earrings, jackets and a bit of make-up and perfume. I always wear my perfume in the car so that the scent remains inside.

What do you love about your car?

 It is automatic and low in fuel consumption. In addition, it is cute, girly and doesn’t attract unwanted attention.

Tell us about your experience growing up in Nairobi.

 I have learnt to be daring and aggressive on the road. Most matatu drivers think they can intimidate a young female driver.

Which animal are you on the road? A cheetah or a tortoise?

Definitely a cheetah.

What is your dream car?

A matte black Lamborghini.

If you were stranded on a highway with a flat tyre, what would you do?

I can handle the tyre change myself if necessary, but to save myself the trouble, I would call my trusted cab driver.

If you had the privilege of a siren on your car, what outrageous thing would you do?

 I am not an outrageous person — at least not in traffic.

What do you do to kill time while in traffic?

I put on my phone on loudspeaker and chat with friends.

What song do you get carried away listening to in your car?

For a long time it was a collection of my favourite John Mayer songs. Right now, it’s Tarrus Rilley mecoustic album. They are both calming.

What habit would you not tolerate from people you carry in your car?

Eating messy and greasy food.

What advice would you give a lady intending to buy a car?

Do your research well. Take time to shop around, as the prices sometimes vary considerably.

On average, how much do you spend on fuel per month?

Not more than Sh10,000.

What is the worst driving experience you have had?

While I was still a new driver, I was on my way back to Nairobi on the Thika highway. I got totally swamped by busses and matatus in traffic at a road construction site while it was raining at night, the touts trying to manoeuvre the traffic to their own advantage did not make it any better. I was desperate and nearly cried. Needless to say, I did get a few scratches.

What is your opinion on the tint law that had been passed?

It is unnecessary. As a woman, I feel safer driving a tinted car at night. Photo: www.youtube.com