The Matatu Legacy and the Rise of the Metro in Nairobi City

Every day, thousands of commuters head to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and have to deal with congestion as well as an unreliable transport system.

The matatu transport system has been prevalent for years, but the Commuter Rail gets introduced as an alternative as the government tries to intervene.

As the debate drags on over the optimal system to accommodate the clean the congestion and growth of the city, it has never been more vital.

Over a decade of matatus operating as an efficient means of transport have allowed Nairobi to sustain its lifeline. These colorful minibuses plastered with graffiti and loud music, while driving, carry over eighty percent of commuters in the city.

They provide maximum flexibility and coverage in terms of serviceable routes in Nairobi.

Many say matatus are disorderly, but they get you to your destination in the shortest time possible. Take for example, if Thika Road has a traffic jam, the matatu drivers understand how to navigate through the backroads. Besides, they provide employment opportunities to thousands of Kenyans.

Many are employed within the matatu industry, including drivers, conductors, mechanics, touts, and even the artists who design the colorful vehicles.

Matatus also have their critiques, however. Unpredictable pricing and reckless behavior, such as driving without signaling or excessive honking, have caused complaints. One day, the fare is Ksh100, the next, it’s Ksh200. There’s no consistency.

For daily commuters, the government introduced an additional option by launching the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) metro system, which aims to improve transport systems within the city.

Managed by Kenya Railways, the train services link essential residential districts Ruiru, Syokimau, and Embakasi to the Central Business District (CBD). Their prices begin at a whopping KSh 40, which is much lower than the matatus.

In many European cities, metro systems form the backbone of urban transportation, offering a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to road congestion.

Cities like London, Paris, and Berlin have well-integrated metro networks that seamlessly connect with buses, trams, and cycling lanes, ensuring smooth last-mile connectivity.

These systems reduce reliance on personal vehicles, reducing pollution and easing traffic congestion, something Nairobi could learn from as it develops its commuter rail network.

While both systems have strengths, they also face significant challenges. For matatus, the biggest issues are regulation and traffic congestion. The government has attempted to impose order through initiatives like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, but implementation has been slow.

On the other hand, the metro system struggles with infrastructure gaps. Unlike in developed cities where metro systems are well-integrated with buses, trams, and walkways, Nairobi’s metro system operates in isolation.

Experts are divided on whether matatus and the metro system can coexist, especially given Nairobi’s approaching 5 million population. Some analysts believe that matatus should be integrated into the transport system rather than scrapped completely.

Until then, commuters from Nairobi are caught in the middle and have to contend with price, accessibility, and the frenzy of city life.