Remember when parking lots used to look like rainbow displays? A few years ago, spotting a car park felt like staring into a bowl of fruit salad—bright reds, bold blues, sunny yellows, and every colour in between. But take a look around now, and you’ll notice a striking shift. Today, most cars on Kenyan roads are painted in just three shades: white, silver-grey, or black.

So, what’s really behind this colourless takeover? Let’s break it down.

Who’s Choosing These Colours?

Here’s the thing—most of the cars we drive in Kenya aren’t brand-new. In fact, more than 90% of the vehicles entering Kenya are second-hand, mostly imported from Japan. This means that colour decisions are largely made by someone thousands of kilometres away, long before the car lands at Mombasa port.

While many car manufacturers do offer a wide range of colours, what we see on our roads is mostly what Japanese customers picked first.

Sunlight, Dirt, and Practical Choices

Now, let’s talk about Kenya’s climate. Being right on the equator means we get a lot of sunlight. A LOT. In such conditions, lighter-coloured vehicles—especially white and silver—reflect heat better, keeping the interiors cooler. On the other hand, black cars absorb more heat, turning into mobile ovens under the sun.

Dirt visibility is another factor. White and grey cars can disguise dust and light mud better than, say, a cherry red or bright blue car.

Is It All About Image?

While practicality does play a role, image and status are big drivers behind car colour choices. Let’s be honest: a black SUV with tinted windows just looks powerful, doesn’t it? It sends a certain message—especially among business people, politicians, or those wanting to project authority.

But there’s a downside. Black is the least practical colour under the hot Kenyan sun and shows scratches and dust more prominently. Still, for many, the image wins over function.

Myth Busting: Is Black or White Easier to Repair?

You might think that repairing a white or black car is easier when it comes to matching paint. But here’s the catch: even “simple” colours like white come in dozens of shades—chalk white, pearl white, off-white, etc.The good news? Modern technology makes colour matching highly precise. Computerized paint systems can now match the exact tone needed, making repairs almost invisible—regardless of the colour.

What Happened to Colourful Cars?

We still have colourful cars, sure. But even the few that break the black-and-white monotony tend to be subtle. Instead of neon greens or electric blues, we’re seeing more earthy tones like:

• Deep maroon
• Midnight blue
• Forest green
• Bronze and metallic beige
• Dark brown

The gaudy, flashy colours of the past have mostly disappeared. Today’s car colours are calmer, more refined, and more muted—possibly reflecting changes in taste, lifestyle, and even personality.

Fashion, Resale, and the Psychology of Colour

Colour trends also mirror global fashion cycles. Neutral tones are “in.” And if you’re thinking of resale value, most people stick to colours that are easier to sell down the line. Rare or bold colours can reduce the resale market for your car.

There’s also a psychological angle: People often choose colours based on personality. Want to blend in? Grey or silver. Want to be seen as bold and decisive? Go for black. Feeling relaxed and calm? White fits the bill.

Final Thoughts: Has the Colour Gone Out of Our Roads?

Kenya’s car parks may no longer look like colour festivals, but the shift to white, black, and grey is more than just a passing trend. It’s a mix of climate concerns, global car supply dynamics, personal image, and practicality.

While we might miss the vibrant visual diversity of the past, today’s muted tones reflect a new era of automotive tastes—sleek, sensible, and stylish in their own way.

Still dreaming of a red-hot convertible? Don’t worry, there’s still room for colour on our roads—just not as much as there used to be.

For years the Toyota Premio has been one of the most sought after used cars in Kenya. Known for its unbeatable reliability, smooth ride and easy maintenance the Premio was the go to car for many Kenyans looking for a reliable second hand vehicle.

But things are changing — fast.

A Trusted Name That’s Now Too Expensive?

Ask any Kenyan driver and they will tell you that Toyota is a brand that’s durable and fuel efficient — and the Premio has lived up to that reputation. It’s practical, comfortable and when it breaks down (which rarely happens) you can easily find spare parts in your neighborhood garage.

However that strong reputation has driven prices through the roof. Just a few years ago you could import a clean second hand Toyota Premio for around Sh1.3 to Sh1.6 million. Fast forward to 2025 and that same car is now going for Sh2.3 to Sh2.5 million — and in some cases even Sh2.7 million!

Buyers Are Walking Away

With such a huge price hike — nearly Sh1 million more in under five years — many potential buyers are now walking away. While the Premio still has great resale value more Kenyans are asking Is it really worth it anymore?

As a result demand for the Premio is dropping. Buyers looking for affordable second hand sedans are now looking at other cars that offer more value for money — even if they don’t hold their resale value as well.

Cheaper Rivals and Better Options

One of the top contenders stealing the spotlight is the Mazda Atenza. Sleek, modern and competitively priced the Atenza is proving to be a solid alternative. It comes with eye catching design, more tech features and stylish interior and exterior — things the Premio is now being criticized for lacking.

Some car buyers are even bypassing Japanese sedans entirely and looking at German brands. The likes of Volkswagen Passat and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are now within reach at similar price points especially for buyers who value performance, luxury and safety.

Expert Opinion: Has the Premio Lost Its Spark?

Auto content creator Erick Wokabi from Auto Konnect Kenya thinks the Premio has lost its charm.

“These cars (like the Atenza) have made the Premio look very plain and boring,” he said.

And he’s not alone. Many car buyers now feel that for its current price the Premio lacks basic features, especially when compared to newer cars. It has only two airbags, basic infotainment and minimal safety features — quite underwhelming when you’re paying over Sh2.5 million.

What Buyers Are Saying

Devan, a car shopper in Nairobi, summed it up perfectly:

“I’ve seen a Premio listed for Sh2.7 million. At that price, I’d rather add a little more and buy a Toyota Harrier, which comes with more advanced features and a luxurious feel.”

But not everyone is ditching the Premio. Some loyalists argue that its longevity and low maintenance costs still make it a better investment than flashier alternatives.

One motorist put it this way:

“I can drive a Premio for 8 to 10 years without it breaking down. And when I’m ready to sell, it’ll still fetch a good price. Can you say the same about a Mazda Atenza?”

Final Thoughts: Is the Premio Still Worth It?

The Toyota Premio may still be a dependable workhorse, but in a rapidly evolving used car market, price matters — and so do features, aesthetics, and perceived value. With more stylish and tech-savvy alternatives flooding the market at similar price points, the once untouchable Premio is losing ground.

Buyers today are more informed, and they want more car for their money. Unless Toyota addresses this gap in value, the Premio might continue to fade from its once-iconic status on Kenyan roads.