This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
Published on October 2, 2019, a controversy surrounding LED headlights in Kenya highlighted the need for clearer regulations. According to the Traffic Act, Chapter 403, Section 23, vehicles should have two white or yellow headlights at the front, capable of illuminating 100-150 meters ahead.
However, the law does not specify the intensity of the headlights in terms of lumens, candelas, or watts. This ambiguity has led to random shakedowns of motorists with LED headlights.
Section 23 (3) of the Traffic Act states that every motor vehicle should carry two rear lamps of sufficient intensity to indicate its presence on the road to traffic approaching from behind within a distance of not less than 200 meters.
While this may seem to imply that rear lamps should be more intense than front lamps, the actual intention is to make the vehicle visible to other drivers, not to illuminate the road behind.
Following a social media storm, the National Police Service clarified that extremely bright LEDs are not legal, citing the potential for blinding other drivers and increasing the risk of road accidents.
While LEDs are not illegal per se, motorists are advised to use discretion when installing LED headlights and avoid using extremely bright ones that can cause discomfort or even harm to other drivers.
Addendum: The Traffic Act also specifies that lamps should be installed at the ends of the vehicle, except for the number plate light, which can be placed wherever the rear number plate is.
