Peter Maina Mwaniki describes the challenges of a career in long-distance trucking.
Veteran driver Peter Maina Mwaniki describes rough roads, unreliable networks and roadside attacks as a drivers’ association urges caution on affected DRC routes.
Kenyan truck drivers face unpredictable schedules, poor roads and attacks, veteran transporter Peter Maina Mwaniki says. His account comes amid concerns about drivers’ safety on cargo routes into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Mwaniki, who has worked in transport for nearly two decades, described the challenges during a recent interview. Assignments can stretch from Monday to Monday, while others run from Monday to Friday.
His working day typically starts at 6am and can continue beyond 6pm, depending on conditions along the route. However, reaching the end of those hours does not always mean he can stop.
Kenyan truck drivers navigate rough roads and unrest
Mwaniki identified the Wajir-Modogashe route as particularly difficult because of rough roads and unreliable mobile coverage. Work-related messages often pile up until he reaches an area with a signal.
Rain also makes some road sections impassable, while congestion adds further delays. When darkness falls in isolated areas, Mwaniki says he must keep moving towards the nearest town rather than abandon his truck.
Beyond road conditions, he described the danger of entering towns without knowing that unrest has broken out. Angry residents sometimes throw stones at passing trucks, leaving drivers with little room to escape.
Because trucks cannot turn around easily, drivers struggle to get away from these confrontations. Mwaniki also said children sometimes throw stones at vehicles in parts of northern Kenya.
Seeking police help can bring further frustration, he added. The nearest station may sit several kilometres away, yet officers sometimes instruct drivers to return to the attack scene.
DRC warnings and plans to keep driving
Meanwhile, attacks and insecurity have disrupted major trade routes into the DRC. The Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association of Kenya has urged drivers and companies to suspend non-essential travel along affected routes.
Those warnings followed reports of attacks and the killing of Kenyan drivers. The association has also called for stronger security guarantees before transporters resume normal operations in affected areas.
Mwaniki entered trucking after financial difficulties prevented him from pursuing university education. He joined his uncle, who worked for a trucking company, and gradually built his career.
Over the years, he has carried various goods, including transit cargo. His current assignments involve delivering equipment for Kenya Power.
Despite recently winning a Ksh102 million SportPesa jackpot, Mwaniki has no immediate plans to leave trucking. He intends to continue driving because he understands the profession and has grown comfortable with it.
