'Makutano Junction' actress, Janet Kirina, shares about her car, a Toyota Duet

What’s your car’s name?

She is called Tamar. Tamar is a nice and easy girl.

What girly stuff do you carry in your car?

I carry a wardrobe in my car. I have extra clothes, shoes, make-up and books. My car is like a mobile piece of my house.

What do you love most about Tamar?

For a first car, it has the right amount of comfort. Her tiny size is also a huge advantage when it comes to parking space.

What don’t you like about your car?

I wish I could pimp her and add everything from rims, to speakers but I do not have the time or even know where it is done. I do not know where to start.

Approximately how much do you spend on your car in a month?

I spend around Sh10, 000.

Do you know how to change a tyre?

No I don’t. I have not had time to learn about that, but I carry everything needed just in case. The one time I had a puncture, a Good Samaritan changed it for me. But I know how to check water, oil and tyre pressure.

Are you a manual or automatic kind of girl?

Automatic. I almost failed my driving test. That clutch business does not do it for me.

Do you feel that Tamar represents you?

I love my car but I do not feel like it represents the woman I am today. I think it represents who I used to be a few years ago.  I feel like I need something that will better represent the woman I have become.

Driving in Nairobi is no easy feat. What’s your experience on the road?

It is crazy. You are right; driving in Nairobi is very messy!

Are you a speed hog?

 I love to speed, but I am careful and I follow the rules. Sometimes people take advantage of you or assume that you are scared or too ladylike because of the size of your car. But I have proven many wrong.

What is your greatest pet peeve about driving in Nairobi?

People who throw stuff out of the window, matatus that just never signal correctly and drivers who don’t dim their lights at night.

What one thing have you learnt about cars?

Never leave your lights on or forget to put water in the radiator, and also keeping a car clean is expensive.

When and where do you enjoy driving most?

I love driving on the major highways to get out of town. It is refreshing.

What advice would you give a new car owner?

Buy a car that you can manage, one that has spare parts that are readily and easily available, and one that local mechanic knows how to repair.

What is your dream car?

Range Rover Vogue. It’s bold and sexy.