URBAN TRANSPORT
URBAN TRANSPORT
International recognition
The matatu culture hasn’ t gone unnoticed. The Coolest matatus have been featured on CNN inside Africa show also American actor Robert Knepper known for his role in American TV hit series Prison Break as T-bag recently gave a shout out to a Kitengela mini bus named after him in the series.
The matatu that plies on the Ngong’ route, offers drinks twice a week to passengers commuting from the Central Business District( CBD) to Ngong’.
“ We are giving out the free drinks on every Tuesdays and Fridays for all passengers heading to Ngong from the City centre and this will continue just like it happens in fl ights” says Calvin Odhiambo one of the managers.
“ We do this twice a day that is Sh5200, the second trip of the day and last one while heading to Ngong from the City centre around 5:30pm, this has made the matatu popular in the City because people from across Nairobi also hire it for private trips,” adds Mr Odhiambo.
VIP Section
If you thought VIP is seating on the front row at Churchill Show or ridding in an Uber rather than a Bodaboda then you need to think again. Nganyas now have a VIP section. The matatus that offers this is Pinkiye luminous.
The VIP section is quet, has four comfortable seats and spacious table for holding drinks or reading materials. You will have to pay Ksh 50more to be admitted at this special section.
“ The interior of the nganya is pink, which gives it a homey, girly feel. The curved roof has CCTV cameras and this ensures you feel safe without having to worry about notorious pickpockets,” says Sammy Nas the driver of the mathree.
The Interior and Exterior
The interior designs and decorations have gone a notch higher. Catalyst under Oromats Sacco is the fi rst mat to have 40 screens including two on the fl oor. It also boasts of arotating fl oor projector for sports lovers, so EPL lovers are well taken care of.
Catalyst is also fi tted with AME rims which are only meant for Mercedes Benz, and an imitation of Prado rims for its rear wheels.
“ Matatus with WiFi are more popular especially with the youths. A lot of people prefer them because they they don’ t get bored in traffic,”
Kamau says.
The cost.
All the luxury doesn’ t come cheap. Kevin Munga the fl eet manager of Sweet Heaven buses which ply on theKahawa and KU areas says the amount to pimp the rides is high but worth every penny.“ It is a tricky business, but it’ s worth the investment. There is what we call‘ standard make up,’ which costs about Sh3.7 million, and extras, which include gravity, tinted glasses, interior and music, which costs an extra Sh1.7 million.” he said
The construction and customization of a new vehicle can cost upwards of more than two million. Because it is mostly done by hand. This is according to Brian Wanyama the founder of Matwana Matatu Culture.
Mathrees for party lovers
Matwana Matatu Culture is an online service that provide transport services dubbed Matwana Party Kruzato party freaks who want to avoid getting in trouble with the NTSA by drunk driving.
“ This is a sure way of avoiding the dangers that come with partying such tragic accidents caused due to drunk-driving or being stranded without means of heading back home. We are here to relieve you from these problems,” says Wanyama.
There are many things that Kenyans have borrowed from the West but the matatu culture remains one of those things that are distinctively and uniquely Kenyan.
LIFE TODAY MAGAZINE Issue 2, No. 003 / 17 / March 2017 41