The advent of Thika Superhighway came with its sizeable number of challenges and opportunities.
For instance, many lives have been lost along the superhighway as drivers overspeed to only God knows where. Also, robbery incidences by highway thieves have steadily been on the rise since the highway was completed and launched in 2012.
However, we can all agree that the benefits outweigh the shortcomings. One of these benefits has been mobility and ease in transport as one travels from Thika to Nairobi and vice versa.
This has been brought about by the introduction of various buses that used not to be there before the superhighway came into being. We sample some of these buses.
Kenya Mpya
These are perhaps the most popular buses that ply along Thika-Nairobi route. They gained notoriety two years ago for overspeeding and being involved in accidents. At one point, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) was forced to ground them for a week as a form of punishment.
That notwithstanding, the buses have many clients who prefer to travel by them over other buses plying the same route for many reasons. The buses are clean, trendy, stops at designated locations among other reasons. They also have cool music that makes them attractive to both old and new generation.
Chania Travellers
These are perhaps the oldest buses along this road. They are a scion of the 14-seater matatus that go by the same name. However, despite their pioneer status, the bus has been slow to pick and up to date, they don't enjoy a big clientele base as Kenya Mpya.
The buses are not as clean as one would expect, no music, take lengthy time at the stage before filling and there is nothing trendy about them. They are a favorite among the old generation.
Manchester Buses
These are the latest entry along the superhighway. One word to describe them, 'chaotic'. They do not fill at the stage and prefer to go picking passengers along the way. So, every point along the superhighway can be a stage.
They also have ear-shattering music and getting change can sometimes be an uphill task. They are also known to flaunt traffic rules with impunity. They are popular with university and college students.