Mombasa city is the home to cultural diversity. Besides people's way of life, the matatu culture is another lively culture in the coastal city.
The fancy matatus in Mombasa have made most commuters to overlook the age factor of these public service vehicles. Most matatus in this city are old but the artistic modifications make many to assume the automobiles are new.
However, matatu owners state that this is not an intentional investment aimed at misleading customers but a strategy to attract more clients who are majorly young. The young generation loves stylish matatus.
“Our business is all about appealing to our passengers which means we have to upgrade our matatus with different designs frequently,” Peter Warui told Daily Nation.
The artistic buzz has created employment to a number of youth who change the looks.
Owner of Starmotors in Mshomoroni, Mohammed Seif, is one beneficiary who has employed other young people to help him meet the client’s needs.
“When a matatu is brought to the garage, the owner is given a variety of designs or sometimes the client comes with a specific design he wants drawn on the vehicle. We then discuss the colour and price which all depend on the type of design,” Seif said in an interview with Daily Nation.
The next time you board a matatu in Mombasa, please remember to check its registration number.