In Nakuru just like most parts of Kenya, many people use public transport.
However, some matatu touts may make you regret your experience should you choose to board one.
In this instances, one may be forced to avoid those matatus even if you are late or to devise ways to deal with the situation.
Here are some of those annoying habits;
1) Feigning amnesia when it comes to change
Some matatu conductors simply feign amnesia when it comes to change. They will make reassurances that they will give you change once they have it as a plot to make you forget it. They will simply wait long enough for you to forget it or even pretend to be sleeping. After reminding them that they have your change, they will simply act surprised whereby they will pretend to ask you innocently if they didn’t hand it to you. Some will even ask you how much money you gave them so as to confuse you. In other instances, the tout will alight the matatu before it reaches its destination, an act which will leave you stranded. Some passengers may even give up on the change if it is only a few coins e.g. Sh10.
2) Not observing hygiene
This is the worst habit that can be exhibited by a matatu conductor. Some do not brush their teeth whereas others simply don’t bathe. Others simply recycle dirty clothes over and over again. Let’s just say this is one of the worst experiences you might have in a matatu as a passenger.
3) Overloading
In this case, four passengers are forced to sit in seats meant for three. This is where the conductor will insist that ‘watu wapendane’. Any person who objects and especially the ladies, will be met with insults such as ‘nenda ukanunue gari yako madam’ or ‘unariinga na mat ni 50 bob pekee’ thus leaving one demoralised. The silence from other passengers does not also help. The conductor will even go ahead to offer his seat to another passenger and when the matatu is stopped by a fellow tout, the conductor will not hesitate to ask the driver to stop. The two will then lean on the seats, which makes it very uncomfortable for the passengers who are already quite uncomfortable as it is.
4) Conversing in mother tongue
Most conductors automatically assume that it is okay to converse in their mother tongue. This usually happens when the conductor is conversing with the driver. In this case, the conductor shouts so that the driver can understand what he is saying. This is quite annoying and uncomfortable especially for passengers who speak different mother tongues. Most of the times, it also does not auger well with those who speak the same mother tongue as the ongoing conversation may be insulting or of a topic that the passenger may not feel comfortable with.
5) Very loud music
Some touts actually ensure their matatus have very loud music. Woe unto you if you complain because you might be met with insults. The genre of music they subscribe to may not necessary be the one that is enjoyed by all passengers. This habit may make ones journey very unpleasant. One may even opt to board another matatu simply because of this.