Kenyan matatus are known for all the wrong reasons; from rude crews, to being driven badly, theft and flouting of traffic rules.
It’s unlikely that as a passenger you will forget something in a matatu and be lucky to find it, but in Nakuru, the case is different as the town is said to have the safest matatus, with the most disciplined and trusted crews.
Below are the two major things that make Nakuru matatu industry unique:
1. Disciplined crew
Majority of matatu drivers and their touts in Nakuru are so disciplined and maybe this is because they realise that the passenger is their boss and with that, they have to treat them with utmost respect.
They will always ask you your destination and remind you when you make it to your destination just in case you happen to forget or be new in town.
Unlike in Nairobi, Nakuru matatu crews can be hardly heard hurling insults at passengers.
Central Rift Matatu Sacco union chairman Stephen Muli says the disciple among matatu crews in Nakuru is among their core considerations when employing drivers and touts.
“We don’t encourage drivers and touts to be drunk while still at work and anybody who goes against the rule is simply shown the door because we value our customers and we strive at giving them the best service,” says Muli.
2.Safety
Bahama Sacco deputy secretary Timothy Njogu says Nakuru matatus are safe because a passenger who forgets his luggage or stuff in a matatu can be assured of getting it back.
“All our crews have been told to uphold the highest standards for them to win the trust of our customers and in Nakuru it is not surprising to forget something inside a matatu and come after days you will still recover it,” says Njogu.