On The Go Explorers

Travel has a funny way of changing how you see your own country. Each new destination teaches you something. Sometimes it’s a flavour, other times it’s a feeling, and often, it’s a small detail that makes daily life flow easier.

Having traveled to 16 countries so far, I’ve picked up little observations that made me think, “Wow, I wish we had this back home.” So let’s talk about some things that other countries do better.

Here are my top 10:

1. Well-lit Roads & Security Lights

In many countries, streets are brightly lit at night, making it safer and easier to move around no matter the time. Back home in a lot of places in Kenya, a simple evening walk can feel risky because of dark or poorly lit roads. Lighting doesn’t just improve safety; it encourages night-time activities and makes cities feel alive. 

 After visiting cities like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Capetown, I find our major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa so dark. Driving is a nightmare. Walking is even a bigger nightmare. If Nairobi was well lit at night, given how vibrant it gets in the evening with parties etc, it could be a really beautiful space, and not just for those going to the club, but people who’d want to go for a walk or run could do so easily. Businesses, especially small ones, would also be able to operate later than usual thus bringing in more revenue.

2. Commuter Fast Trains/ efficient public transport

I’ll be honest: I’m not a fan of the SGR (It is slow, the seats and tiny tables are uncomfortable and way out of the towns it passes through and stops in).

After experiencing the commuter train in Johanessburg, (the gautrain),I questioned what was so difficult in coming up with such infrastructure. Then I visited Asia and I thought, “Aiii!” The public transport systems abroad are things we should also have; something as fast, efficient, and affordable. I realized just how much they improve urban life. Imagine Nairobi to Nakuru in under an hour, or Mombasa to Nairobi in under 4 hours. Game changer. I could live in Mombasa and work in Nairobi comfortably.

And on this, something else they have implemented is public transport cards. One card covers buses, trains, and sometimes even small purchases. It saves time, reduces cash hassle, and makes transport so seamless. Nairobi could really use this, and they could even partner with mobile money services like M-Pesa to do this.

3. Affordable Domestic Flights

Affordable travel in Asia opened my eyes to this one. Flights there cost as low as KES 2,500. In Kenya, flying still feels like a luxury, but in Asia, it’s just another mode of transport. Affordable flights would make exploring our beautiful country so much easier for everyone.

4. Helmets for Boda Boda Riders

Road safety in Africa is quite lacking, but Rwanda deserves a standing ovation for this. Helmets aren’t optional- they’re culture- both for the rider and passenger. Safety on our roads would look very different if we normalized this. 

This would prevent a lot of accidents that happen on Kenyan roads, with The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reporting a substantial numbers of deaths annually, with 1,200 boda boda riders killed in 2024, up from 900 in 2023. These numbers would be on the decline if our government enforced this simple rule, made even simpler by that fact that a lot of new bikes come with two helmets, which begs the question, where does the passenger helmet go?

5. Tourism for All Budgets

One thing I love about Asia is how they market tourism for everyone, from luxury travelers to mid-range explorers and backpackers. For young people, backpacking is almost a rite of passage. I wish we encouraged Kenyans to travel while young, even on a budget. Travel doesn’t have to wait until you have a large amount of money. The thing I loved the most about this is the involvement and investment of the government in the tourism sector. From investment in public transport that makes movement for tourists really easy e.g in Thailand there are public buses that move from the airport in Phuket to where?

6. Traffic Lights & Discipline

Why do we need police officers at roundabouts in 2025? This just furthers the corruption issue we have in the country. Traffic lights and disciplined motorists who obey road rules make driving stress-free. Nairobi traffic could really benefit from this level of order.

7. Immersive Museums

Museums and cultural experiences in Qatar’s blew me away. It’s not just artifacts, it’s an experience. The museum uses technology, storytelling, and interactive design to make history come alive. Like Night of The Living Museum but a more realistic version, ha ha. Kenya has such rich heritage; imagine what we could do with all of it!

8. Pedestrian and cycling-Friendly Cities

Urban planning in other countries like in Europe or parts of Asia make something like walking a pure joy. Sidewalks are wide, safe, and welcoming. At home, walking often feels like a survival sport. A shift to pedestrian-first design would change how we connect with our cities by incorporating trams, sidewalks, cycling lanes etc. There are road reserve spaces on a lot of roads in Kenya that could be put to this use. 

9. Public Parks & Green Spaces

More on the travel observations is something I saw in Ethiopia (Entoto Park)- public parks are clean, safe, and free. Families get to have picnics, friends meet up, people do outdoor exercises ike yoga, walking and jogging-  this is community at its best. In Kenya, most social spaces revolve around malls or restaurants, which are not affordable to the majority. Parks and other third spaces would give us room to just be. 

This isn’t something to view at a surface level, it would mean a lot for our society. Everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, would have the chance to sit outside comfortable and enjoy greenery and fresh air, outings wouldn’t just be a reserve for those who can afford the money. 

It would mean better mental health, people wouldn’t just be cooped up in their houses and offices, they could unwind outside and interact with community too.

10. Night Food Markets

One thing I absolutely fell in love with in Asia, especially in Langkawi, Malaysia, was the night food market culture. Every evening, the market moves to a different location- which is a good way for people to explore different parts of the island- and vendors show up with the most mouthwatering street food, local desserts, and drinks. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a social ritual. Families, friends, and travellers all come together under twinkling lights, sharing flavors. In Kenya, especially in coastal cities like Mombasa where food culture runs deep, this would thrive. Imagine an open-air night market by the beach, fresh seafood grilling, local vendors showcasing Swahili dishes, and people gathering after work to unwind. It would create jobs, promote local cuisine and culture, and add a whole new dimension to our nightlife beyond clubs and restaurants.

Travel is more than sightseeing, it’s learning too. These observations aren’t just about convenience; they’re about how small changes can make overall life better. And every trip reminds me: there’s always something new to bring home, even if it’s just an idea.

Which of these do you wish we had in Kenya? Or what are some travel lessons from abroad that stood out to you the most, that can positively contribute to how Kenya can improve tourism? Share with me in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts!