matatus

Matatus are privately owned minibuses and mid-sized vans that provide urban and peri-urban public transport in Kenya and parts of East Africa. They operate as fixed-route, shared taxis, picking up and dropping off passengers along busy corridors. Fares are typically set for a route, and vehicles often carry more passengers than formal buses would. The term matatu, from Swahili for "three", is thought to reflect early seating or fare practices and has become generic for these vehicles.

Most matatus are organized into savings and credit cooperatives (Saccos) that own fleets, negotiate licenses and fares with authorities, and manage routes. They are famous for bright livery, bold signage, and route numbers, and have been a dominant part of Nairobi’s transport since the 1980s. The public-service vehicle (PSV) framework, regulated by authorities such as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), governs licensing, safety requirements, and road-worthiness.

Safety and regulatory reforms, including the Michuki-era measures of 2004, sought to curb overcrowding, enforce seat belts and speed governors, and standardize routes. Despite improvements, the sector has faced safety concerns, crowding, and clashes with regulators, leading to periodic crackdowns and modernization efforts. Matatus remain a major source of employment for drivers, conductors, and owners, and have influenced urban culture, music, and street economies, while competing with larger bus services and emerging ride-hailing options.