Salma Shaban with her car

1.What type of car do you drive?

Mine is a Nissan Wingroad, 2007 model. I had wanted to get a Subaru, but the Wingroad made more economic sense.

2.Your colour of choice was inspired by?

I picked it in my favourite colour silver because of its classy vibe. My other option would have been crimson red because of the power that comes with red.

3.Did you import it or buy it off someone?

I got my friend to import the car for me then I picked it up at his yard in Mombasa.

4.The difference between driving in Nairobi and Mombasa is that?

Drivers in Nairobi are fast, so you spend less time on the road as compared to Mombasa where drivers always seem relaxed. Worse still, tyres seem to wear out fast because of the humidity forcing you to do a lot of service.

5.What do you love most about your car?

Space tops my list! For the longest time, I needed a convenient car to run errands and carry my journalism equipment. Then, I realised that the Wingroad would give me the space I needed.

6.Do you have a nickname for your car?

Yes! I always said that when I had a baby girl, I would call her Tamima or Tam Tam so when I got the car first, the name seemed perfect. Now I shall get another name for my baby.

7.What additions have you made to give your car a personal touch?

Soon after getting my ride, I got new rims, and upgraded my seat covers to match the interiors. I also had some tint on it but I removed it upon realising that it was too dark.

8.What girly stuff do you/must you always carry in your car?

I always have an entire wardrobe consisting of shoes, dresses, make-up collection and accessories in a bag in my car just in case I have to switch up my look in my line of work.

9.If you could change a few things about the car what would they be?

For now, I love it as it is, I have done most of the customisations I desired so let’s have some fun first.

10.What is your experience driving in Nairobi?

I love Nairobi because most of the drivers are quite experienced. Wait till you get out of town and that is when you realise that some drivers need more courage.

10.The worst town you’ve driven in would be?

Nakuru town! That town has too many boda boda riders. Each time I’m driving through the town, I keep hoping they won’t crash into my side mirrors.

11.The best destination you ever travelled to with your car?

Malindi. The other place would have to be Kericho because the landscape and terrain on that part of the country is amazing.

12.If you were stranded on a highway with a flat tyre?

I always try to be hands on! I can fix most of the easy issues such as flat tyres but if the problem was to get too complex, I would call my dad up so he can guide me through it.

13.If you had the privilege of a siren on your car?

I would never feel pressured to wake up early and beat traffic because once I got to the highway, I’d simply need to get the sirens on and drive off.

14.What do you do to kill time while in traffic?

I listen and sing along to a lot of Bongo and Nigerian music, which make up most of my playlist.

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

Littering always gets on my nerves! I even got a litter basket so that anyone in my car knows where to put the trash!

16.On average, how much do you spend on fuel?

Between my work school, and other trips, I spend roughly Sh9,000. The trick is to fill up the tank, then not bother about constantly checking the fuel gauge.

17.What have you learnt about driving that you were not taught in driving school?

Dealing with Nairobi matatu drivers is an art you master with time.

18.What advice would you give a lady who wants to buy a car?

Have a budget and stick to it. Do not get an expensive car then spend the rest of your life trying to pay back the loan. Also, get one that is economical and convenient. 


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