Annet Otieno: I am a stickler for rules and do not like it when people break them

What type of a car do you drive?

A Mercedes 350C.

What do you call your car?

(Laughs) I have never thought of naming my car. I am okay with the fact that my car is just my car.

What stuff have you added to your car to blend your personality?

I love white interiors, which my car didn’t have. I customised it by adding white cover seats.

What girly stuff do you carry in your car?

Shoes! I like to have a variety of shoes in my ride. When I am in flats, I always have a pair of heels in the car and vice versa, in case I find myself at an official event. I also love to put stickers with memory verses. My kids sometimes leave their books and toys in the car.

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

What I spend usually varies with the distance I cover. I spend less when I drive within Nairobi, but I sometimes go out of town, which means I spend more.

Do you know how to change a tyre?

(Laughs) I don’t know how to do it. I have had a puncture on several occasions and I either call my husband if he is near or I find a Good Samaritan to help. But I know it is something I need to learn because I might one day find myself in the middle of nowhere with no one to turn to. I am working on it (smiles).

Are you a manual or automatic kind of girl?

I used to have a manual car and although I loved it, driving with it in the never ending traffic jam in Nairobi was a hectic experience. I would reach home with painful legs.  An automatic gear is convenient.

Are you a speed hog or are you one of those ladies who is never in a hurry on the road?

I love speed, but within the rules, of course.

What is your greatest pet peeve about driving in Nairobi?

 I am a stickler for rules and so I do not like it when people break traffic rules.

What one important lesson have you learnt about cars now that you are a driver?

You need to check tyre pressure and regularly add water. I have also learnt that I always need to check my car before driving off. I am, however, glad that my husband does that for me. Every morning before I leave, he checks my car to make sure everything is in order.

When and where do you enjoy driving most?

I love driving on Thika Super highway, especially on Sunday when there is little or no car or human traffic.

What advice would you give a new or aspiring car owner?

Never buy a car because it has a modern number plate. You can find a car with an old number plate, but is well maintained and has beautiful interiors. Never judge a book by its cover. Before you buy a car, test-drive it.