Matatu: Public Transport in Kenya

A Matatu is a mode of transport in Kenya that falls between private transport and conventional bus transport. Matatus have fixed routes, but "unfixed" stops and time schedules. They stop anywhere to pick or drop passengers. They operate from some time after 5am to around 9pm. (see also Shared taxi on Wikipedia)

We were fascinated by the colorfully decorated matatus (see pictures below) and also by the "real africa feeling" (as one local put it) you get when riding matatus. This lens is meant to inspire you to experience the "real africa feeling" in a matatu next time you're in Kenya! ;-)

With harder regulations on passenger numbers, enforced by the Kenyan government in early 2004, it is now quite OK (and cheap!) to use matatus as a tourist. The matatus are only filled with one passenger per seat and the numerous police checks on every road help keeping these 'new' security standards.

The number of people killed in accidents involving matatus has been dramatically reduced with the new regulations in place.

The word "Matatu" comes from Kisuaheli "ma tatu", which means "for three". For three kenyan schillings one could travel on any route in colonialization times.

As far as we found out, any distance along the around 20 kilometres long routes in the region we stayed (Mombasa) cost 25 Kenya Schillings per person (March 2006). There are however Matatus with very much longer routes (for instance Mombasa to Nairobi) costing up to 500 KsH. Any additional information on this is welcomed.

Here some feedback from Brenda Otindo (thanks!) regarding routes to or in Nairobi:

"I would like to clarify the charges on the Nairobi matatu routes. Currently, the cheapest fare to any point from town is Sh30. This is due to the recent fuel price hike averaging Sh3.20 per litre.

Also, there is a greater risk of carjackings of the 14-seaters after 10pm. It is good to warn tourists of this. Also they should not travel in any matatu that they are not sure of if they do not have a guide."

In urban regions ask for the matatu station. People will kindly guide you. You have to know your target and can buy your ticket directly in the matatu.

Outside cities just wave to a passing by matatu. They stop, let you in, and you can buy your ticket during the ride.

It's best to know the fee beforehand - ask someone not in the matatu business.