Never. I leave my house when I am complete. But what I can never make up my mind about is my sunglasses and shoes, so I usually carry several pairs of each.
What do you look for when shopping for a car?
I love powerful cars that take me to my destination in the shortest time. You will never see me driving cars that fall into the ‘ladies car’ category. Inasmuch as I look at functionality and often end up with masculine cars, I am also very keen on aesthetic value. I love a car that makes a statement everywhere I go.
When shopping for cars what colours do you go for?
I love classical and functional colours, which have a sheen that makes a statement. I love silver, forest green, black and deep purple. I cannot stand white unless maybe it’s a functional car like a pickup for my farm in Kitale.
Approximately how much do you spend on your car in a month?
I do not like thinking about such figures; sometimes it is better not to know. For example, if I knew how much I spent on credit, I would probably sell all my phones (laughs).
What was the first car you bought?
A second hand mini. I remember meeting with the owner of the car at Uhuru Park, and after I paid him cash, he left me with the car yet I did not know how to drive well. I waited for traffic to clear up in the evening and using trial and error, I very slowly drove all the way to Waiyaki Way where I lived. I cannot even imagine pulling such a stunt on today’s roads where traffic is bumper to bumper (laughs).
Do you know how to change a tyre?
Yes I do but why should I change a tyre when there are gentlemen who are always willing to help.
Are you a manual or automatic kind of girl?
I cannot stand a manual car as it has too many operations. It makes no sense to me why I should use so much energy to drive when I can easily do the same thing with an automatic car.
What is your experience driving in Nairobi?
It is crazy. I get pissed off just watching how some people drive. When I was younger, I would come out of my car and scream at offenders, or hang on to someone’s shirt just to teach them a lesson. Now I just watch them.
Are you a speed hog?
I am not a dare devil. I think it is all about calculated speed with sensibility. I love myself and I never do anything that will put my life or even my car in danger.
You participated in the Safari Rally in 1974 and 1975, making you the first black Kenyan to do so. What inspired you?
I was angry that we were hosting the Safari Rally annually and the few women who were participating were all foreigners. I wanted to prove that Kenyan women, too, could participate in car racing. I do not like to be put in a box or to be stereotyped.
What is your greatest pet peeve about driving in Nairobi?
I cannot stand people who make rude and abusive hand signs on the road. I also don’t like people who think they are more in a hurry than everyone else. It’s like they have a death wish and they want to carry you along with them! Lastly, I cannot stand people who drive around in dirty cars. I believe the state of a car is the representation of the owner; show me a dirty and unkempt car and I assure you the owner will also be dirty and unkempt.
What advice can you give a new car buyer?
Do not get a loan to buy a car because unless it is a business car, it is not an asset. You are better off paying for one with your savings. Second, you do not have to buy a brand new car if you can get a well-maintained second hand. Last, buy a car that has easily available and affordable spare parts.