MATATUS IN NAIROBI

A vast majority of people in Kenya rely mainly on matatus to get around.  Matatus are public service vehicles of varied sizes and usually painted in different colours and slogans.  Seating between 14 and over 40 people they carry different people as they go and come from work each day as well as those traveling to different parts of the country.

Matatus in Nairobi and Kenya as a whole are privately owned. These matatus ply set routes and run from termini which are used for both inter and intra-city travel.

Matatu Numbers and their Destinations

Matatus in Nairobi are numbered to describe their destinations and the routes they ply.  There are destinations with more than one matatu number.  These destinations are mostly those along the way as a matatu is heading to its designated destination.  Therefore on their way to the intended destination they are also used for people who alight along the routes they ply.  For commuters who alight along the way, it’s very important for them to know which route the matatu will follow so as not to be taken to a different destination.

A Commuter Heading to an unfamiliar Destination

Most Matatus are staffed with a driver and a conductor and in case you are new in town, it is good to inform the conductor way in advance and keep on reminding him/her so that he would let you know once you arrive at your intended destination.  Since matatus run from termini, different destinations have different termini within the city and in most cases matatus that ply on the same route may use the same bus terminus.

Commuter Fares

Public transit system is a very lucrative business, but in most instances the owners if not careful may be the ones at the loosing end.  Am saying this because, each day the matatu is left in the hands of the driver and conductor and the owner may not be able to tell how much they have made for the day apart from what they tell him (conductor and driver). 

Commuter fares are set by the operators and if at the terminus there is no any sign board showing the fare to that particular destination, it is advisable for the commuter to ask the conductor how much fare they charge before he/she gets into the vehicle to avoid distortion.

Road Safety

In effort to minimize accidents on the roads, the government has put different measures in place to reduce the incidences and fatalities.  These measures include; speed governors, safety belts and also matatus are not supposed to carry passengers in excess.  Although some of the matatu owners have complied and always follow the set rules, there are some notorious ones that are fond of breaking rules.  For example each matatu depending on the size, has a standard number of passengers to carry as per the seats but some carry excess passengers and when a passenger complains he/she is told to alight or “nunua yako” a Swahili phrase meaning; buy yours. 

Despite a few hitches here and there, matatus play a very crucial role in our day to day life as they are readily and widely available and they can reach different/many destinations.