Matatu Experiences In Nairobi, Kenya
An anecdote of my observations with matatus
If there is something everyone ought to experience is the matatu life in Nairobi, Kenya especially those heading towards the outskirts of the city.
When you board a matatu specifically, the buses expect anything. The lack of trust among Kenyans stems from this. You are not sure the conductor( predominantly male gender) will return your change, or you will even reach your desired destination.
There are a million micro-moments that expose life. The music is loud enough to burst tears. I am accustomed to this life to the point I openly bop to music from where I am seated as I gently tap my foot. Another guy is sitting next to me, reminiscing what happened some time back. Another one is dead asleep even when all this chaos is going on. The one seated next to them is busy playing catch-up with the long-distance auntie on the phone, so we all get to be part of the storytelling session. Some are wary of being passed away from where they intend to alight. The experiences with these vehicles are a tad bit crazy. Others are deep in thought, oblivious of what is happening around them.
Sometimes, where you are seated, the seats are elevated. Sometimes, a giant T.V. screen on your side is projecting loud music.
The expressiveness of the conductors is something else. Some choosing to yell, others repeating the names of the routes , others singing. All these being efforts to convince the public to board their respective matatus.
Can I also talk about how sometimes you have to fear for your life since most of these drivers are impatient and used to bending the traffic rules? They ignore the traffic light signs and veer off the main road to reach their destination faster. Or when I see, the conductor swinging tricks on the door of the moving matatu.
At the same time, there is a lot of business going on. Others are advertising and selling stomach medicine. Sometimes, I find it odd, but I later figure it out because some people are averse to myriad body splashes, body odor, sweat, smell of food produce; hence, when combined, it can cause stomach upsets. The next minute, I shift my attention to a puppy on sale through the window. The vetting of the puppy is meant to happen within two minutes when there is traffic.
It is also possible to have a full-on church service coupled with the preaching and devotion from pastors who board these vehicles to do that. What stresses me the most is seeing them standing throughout the trip, yet the car is in motion. Balance is almost unachievable at some point. If I am seated, I still hold on to the rails for balance. Before the matatu reaches their destination, the pastors are in a hurry to alight as they seek offerings from their congregation. Some people are kind enough to offer something while others are not moved by all this.
As an avid art lover, the graffiti on these matatus always catches my attention. The details are well thought of. The exteriors comprise of bumper stickers of various hip hop artists, players, politicians or other famous public figures. The slogans expose the creativity of the crew or what they aspire to achieve. Some have gone a step further by adding a cocktail of lights especially during the night giving these matatus another layer of vibrance.
All these experiences have made me think about how there is so much to escape from but at the same time to experience when you board these matatus. They represent the reality of a Kenyan life. Where for some limited time we are forced to even break barriers regarding social status. This is because the moment you board one, everyone is treated equally.
It is still my wish that you add this to your future bucket list in case you have not experienced it.
