I'm considering buying a pick up to transport my own products to NBO on a regular basis from Nyeri.

Everyone I speak to says it's better to pay someone else to do, that police harassment makes it expensive and stressful.

How much police harassment can I actually expect if a pickup becomes my main mode of transport?

Usiogope kununua gari. Hata hao askari ni binadamu pia. Yule mbaya ni yule hakwongeleshi but so long as they open their mouth to speak to you, chances are high you'll arrive at an understanding.

I have never seen a pick up that was not stopped by police at the road block. Why not buy a probox or townace, it could serve the same purpose.

Buy a double-cab pickup with a rear canopy.Tint the windows and you can engage even in (smuggling...pun intended) without worrying about traffic stops.

Doesn't apply in kenya. A policeman will do anything. Didn't UK see policeman asking for bribe on his face. If you don't do it then they will find something to pin you down for

Buy the pickup, follow the rules, and whenever you see a roadblock ahead, just indicate to stop even before the flag you down, stop when they actually stop you, wind down the window, switch on the cabin light if it is at night, answer all their questions politely, thank them when they flag you on...

I do this all the time and I have no problem.

Its applicable huko majuu sio hapa

Why not do a couple of test runs in someone's/hired pickup as you transport your stuff and see what transpires.

But I don't think police harassment can be a good enough reason to decide to be hiring instead of buying.

They guys you will be hiring from deal with the same police/environment and still turn in a profit - from you!!!

Your major worry should be the "down time". Will you be able to keep the pick up busy most of the time ama it will be mostly in the parking lot? Hilo tu ndilo swali la maana.