While the notion of public transport has been popular ever since Noah and the ark, or Jonah and the whale, matatus are a part of Kenyan culture.
Investing in an Armageddon defying ark or pollution free whale transport seems implausible, but buying into a chunk of the Kenyan matatu industry isn't.
Understanding the industry itself requires talking to the people who bear the brunt of its long hours and distances, the drivers.
One driver who goes by the nickname 'governor' ( a moniker no doubt imposed by the fact that he hates speed governors and bears no relation to the county governor), tells of a typical day at work.
Real name Timothy Katua, he wakes up in the wee hours of dawn, and makes the first trip to Nairobi by 5 am.
By the end of the day he completes three round trips and retires late at night, a handsome profit in hand.
He claims that with good care and upkeep of the matatu, it has the potential to buy someone a fleet of the same, although it's hard to understand what he says through the herbal concoction of muguka leaves and chewing gum doing rounds in his tobacco smoke infused mouth.
Owning a matatu nowadays is a much safer endeavor with travel Saccos overseeing the industry. Like any other business, it requires hard work, dedication and regular trips to garages, but with a little creativity and niche offerings like flashy designs, a little music and comfortable seats, there's no reason why you can't make a name for yours.