A Kitty In Kenya: A Matatu Story

Last Friday, I decided to try something new.

I had discovered that I was low on some groceries and needed to make a trip to Nairobi to do some shopping. Unfortunately, traveling to Nairobi by car (hiring a driver) is very expensive. So, I decided to take advantage of the very affordable Kenyan matatu transportation system.

Matatus are like taxis; except they are vans or mini-buses that travel specific distances; for example - from Bomet (Tenwek) to Nairobi for a set fee. These vans theoretically should seat only 10-14 persons, but because of...well I'm not sure why...but in Kenya the matatus can fit a lot of people inside. Thus, it's strictly limited to a small carry-on type situation. Any large bags will be strapped to the top of the matatu - at the owner's on risk, of course. Matatu drivers are typically considered to be a little crazy because they drive fast and they make stops between Point A and B to pick up and let off passengers, but the van only stops for a few seconds.

So, why would I want to try this? Well - because it's cheap. The equivalent of $5.88 to travel to Nairobi via matatu versus $100-150 by hired car.

It was a good time to try it because I could travel light on the way to Nairobi - and there were two Kenyan colleagues also going - so I could safely assure I wouldn't end up in Zanzibar or somewhere.

So, my colleagues and I caught a taxi to the Bomet "matatu station," where we
were immediately surrounded by "agents" solicting travellers for their matatu. In these scenerios, it's nice to be with my Kenyan friends - I can hang back, act like I don't speak English and just follow them around. Honestly, it's a little intimidating when 4 people are all asking," Where are you going?! Do you want to go to Nakuru? Kisii? Nairobi?"

Luckily, we three go the back seat of our matatu - this proved advantageous because we were able to put up a "united front" against anyone who might have tried to sqeeze in between or on top of us!

The view from back of the matatu: At highest capacity, our 10 seater van held 15 persons - not counting that one time when those three guys hung onto the open door/side and for a block or two. Not bad - I didn't have to sit in anyone's lap, nor was anyone required to sit in mine!

The ride was actually quite enjoyable. From the inside of the matatu, my driver didn't seem crazy at all. I don't know if I got lucky or if there is something about being in the matatu that alters your perception about the safety of said matutu. Also, the seats moved independently of the matatu - that was both surprising and fun - like a ride within a ride. I don't recommend it if you get motion-sickness.

The only alarming part was when we got off the matatu. When you are ready to get off the matatu, you signal the driver by telling the pther passengers. Since we were in the back, we had to quickly crawl over all the other passengers, as the matatu paused on the side of the road. I'm just glad I didn't take someone's head off with my bag or worse - fall on top of someone.

In the end, we made it to Nairobi safely and it was a great weekend. In fact, I found a great book on funny travel signs that seemed to fit right in with my adventures!