Matatu

Riding in a Kenyan matatu - minibus size.

A new, truck sized matatu in Nairobi.

In Kenya and neighbouring nations, matatu (or matatus) are privately owned minibuses although pick-up trucks were in the past pressed into service as these East African share taxis.^[1] Often decorated, many matatu feature portraits of the famous or slogans and sayings, some religious.^[2]

These minibuses ply set routes, run from termini, and are used for both inter and intra-city travel.^[3] In addition to a driver, matatu may be staffed by a conductor.^[4]

As of 1999 they were the only form of public transport available in Nairobi, Kenya, although in 2006 and 2008 this was no longer the case.^[5] Kampala, Uganda, may only be serviced by minibuses as of 2008.^{[AICD 1]}

Etymology

The name is a Swahili colloquialism.^[6] One explanation is that, as the word tatu means three, the name derives from the long wheelbase Peugeot model 504 estate, called the break, which could be fitted with three rows of bench seats and carry 10 or more passengers. It is true that this particular model is associated with this form of share taxi.^[7]

Kenyan regulation

A Kenyan matatu.

In Kenya this industry is regulated, and these minibuses must be fitted with seatbelts and speed governors.^[8] The Kenyan regime has been described as having extensive regulatory controls, and in this country a matatu worker can be pulled from the streets simply for sporting too loud a shirt.^[9]

Present regulation may not be sufficient deterrent to prevent small infractions, as even decoration may be prohibited.^[10]

As of December 2010, Kenyan Government policy is to phase out minibus matatu in favour of larger, 25+ seat buses. It could take ten years to clear the much smaller minibus from Nairobi streets, however.^[11] As of early 2012, there may be few matatu stations remaining in central Nairobi as a result of anti-matatu regulation. Regardless, the minibus is still the primary form of transport in the city.^[12]

Ugandan regulation

The Old Taxi Park, Kampala, Uganda.

As of 2008, Kampala, Uganda, has no independent transport authority.^{[AICD 2]}

See also

• Dala dala, Tanzania
• Tro tro, Ghana

References