Matatus are the primary means of getting around Nairobi. According to one estimate, seven out of ten people use them to get to work in Kenya’s hectic capital. This is why matatus can still make sense even for people who can afford a car;
1. Art- Most 'matatus' as we call them, are covered in pictures of our favourite artists, some awesome graffiti or captions we can never get enough of.
2. Learning experience- You can learn a lot in a matatu. On conversing with people next to me, I get a wider perspective on life and what it entails; politically, socially, economically, you name it.
3. Patience- Riding in a matatu will add the virtue of patience to your dictionary. From the way you'll be stopped at endless list of bus stops to the constant, 'songea huyu', you have no option than be easy with life.
4. Entertainment- When you're going on a long journey, it can be frustrating if you've nothing to do. With today's matatus comes the music and the wi-fi for you to enjoy. This said you can catch up with your friends on social media, update your statuses, download your music, browse, the list is endless. Your journey's even better if the music they play is to your taste and in a volume that's high enough for you to enjoy yet low enough to pick your calls without the other person thinking you're in a club.
5. Playing psychologist- If you like analysing people, P.S.V's are your muse. Take for instance the guy who receives a call and says they're in a meeting or the one who says they're almost in Mombasa when they are hundreds of Kilometers away!
6. Unity- This especially applies to the rural area settings. You're comfortably seated in the matatu, few minutes. from your destination, or so you think. You come to a stop and the conductor leaps outside. He tells the driver to go on cautiously. He does, but suddenly, the tires are going round and round like the do normally, only this time, stuck. Standing on the muddy poodles, you and your fellow travel mates are giving your opinions on what should be done. Some are looking for stones to others for sticks as others push the vehicle. Before you know it, you are out of the sticky situation and back aboard.
7. Convenience- Being easily and readily available, these vehicles make life easy for the common Mwananchi. They are way cheaper compared to taxis and other means of travelling. You can get where you want to go less tired without hurting your pockets.