Kenya's matatu industry has grown in leaps and bounds, gaining recognition not only in East Africa but globally.

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Actor Robert Knepper who plays Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell in popular series Prison Break hailed a Nairobi matatu that was named after him in 2016.

And now in Mombasa, the matatu culture has as well gone a notch higher.

Owners are modifying their vehicles and using graffiti to ensure their matatus look more modern, including painting images of celebrities from around the world.

1. Rapper Cardi B

In November 2017, America's award-winning rapper Cardi B, expressed her joy after spotting a Mombasa matatu bearing her image.

The matatu from MOM sacco beard the rapper's image on its bonnet.

She took to Instagram, shared the photo of the matatu, saying: "This in Kenya,Africa !!!😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️I Love it .I wanna cry this made me really happy !Shout to all my supporters in Africa !!Hope i visit one day # BardiGang”

2. Zari Hassan

Zari, who is bongo artist Diamond Platnumz’s ex-girlfriend and baby mama also expressed her satisfaction after a MOM sacco matatu plying the Ferry-Kisauni-Bamburi route beard her image in April 2018.

The matatu’s rear had Zari’s portrait while the front had the wealthy business woman's name.

On a weekend, Zari shared photos of the matatu on her Instagram account, saying “Love you, the Love is real”.

#matwana