THE MATATU EXPERIENCE
I
frequently get asked what it means.Before I Was somehow convinced that I could actually put words next to
each other and tell a story, I was a vivid reader of biographies and
personal journals; stories about how humble people who were probably the
least in the society managed to raise to the top of the world. I know
how Sherlock homes was founded; how Bill Gates built Microsoft; how
Kalashnikov invented the AK47; Ted Turner and CNN among other great
men and women Today I’m not really interested in how so and so did what
they did to be who they are; I want to find out what it is; that the
majority did not do and the reason they did not do that; which would
have made the difference in their lives. I used to try to explain to
people what it really means, but soon gave up on that.
People just don't get it. I tell them that it means "taxi" in
Swahili. But those of you who have been to Kenya, and travelled
in a matatu, know that that really does not sum up the
experience if riding in a matatu.
"Matatu" comes from the swahili word (or Kikuyu,Luhya or Bantu depending
on who you listen to) for "three." It used to cost 3 shillings
to ride in a matatu. But what is a matatu? These days, a matatu
is usually a minibus, or other public transportation in Kenya.
When I was in Kenya, a matatu was usually (and probably still
is, farther from the larger cities) a pickup truck, with a
cover on the bed. For a few shillings a piece, as many people
as can cram in there, with their baggage, and perhaps some
livestock, can get a ride to where they are going. And often
there would be baggage on the top, and perhaps some chickens on
top, and several people hanging out the back door.
Riding in a matatu, particularly for any distance, is an
experience that you won't soon forget. Sure, it can be
dangerous, and the drivers are well-known for their reckless
driving. People are killed on the Kenya roads every week by
some careless matatu driver.
Though most of us like to hate them Matatus are hear to stay and no matter what happens thousands of peolple will wait eagerly to board the matatu.Matatu drivers and conducters have peculiar habits and behaviour that makes them anonymously kenyan.
First there is a crescendo of groaning engine, rattling metal and a
booming sound system. Then the horn blasts to announce the arrival of
the matatu: a small, minibus taxi that is an icon of Kenyan travel.
The rickety shell of rusty metal, failing brakes and billowing
exhaust waits impatiently on the side of the road for its latest
passenger.
Then it is off again. Rushing through the city with no awareness of
the rules of the road. Driving into oncoming traffic, zig-zagging
through the cars and using pavements as short cuts. Avoiding the Nairobi
congestion and confusing passengers by taking routes other than the
prescribed one. It is a rollercoaster ride. Yet it is the main mode of
transportation for Kenyans, whose average income of $2 a day, means the
30 Kenyan shilling (KES) ride is their only option.To an outsider matatus look like pure chaos but to a familiar passenger the big mouthed verbal diarhoering conductors are an every day thing.
The conductors charge you by your appearance and always make claims loudly using vulgar language to frighten other passengers.They so often seek the support of passengers by making it seem that the passenger they are overcharging made a mistake.
Like them or hate them the Matatu conductors are still there.
Matatu driver drivers especiaaly in Nairobi have a habit of overlapping,believe me you these guys dare to pass wher even the devil will fear,they have driving skills that makes me think that they could make the best teachers in our driving schhool.A friend of mine who was once a matatu driver cant just avoid overlapping.I once asked the guy why he cant just be patient for traffic to ease and he told me its in the blood.
I later found out that the drivers and conductors have to appear to be `macho` so that the are respected and are able to hustle and harrass passengers.
Jesus once said that when you go to rome do what romans do and thats what our Matatu Conductors do,be macho to get the best worm.The famous michuki rules were long gone even before the man himself died.
Althogh their Drivers and conductors seems normal its time we borrowed some tips from our Ugandan neibhours.
The traffic rules in Uganda are observed to the latter .The gorvernment can come up with compulsory public relations classes for drivers and touts,this might help to ease the accidents,rudnesss and breaking of traffic rules on our kenyan roads,the recently instilled By -laws by the Nairobi city council will go alon way in ensuring road safety.The central Gorvernment shoul also implement the traffic bill so that there is law and order on our roads.Meanwhile overloading,overlapping ,bribes are still the order of the day until something is done and remember it begins with you and me!!!!!
