Getting Around Nairobi: A Colourful Guide to Kenya's Matatus and More

Picture this: you’re waiting at a bus stop in Nairobi, the sun is shining, and the air is busy with chatter. A brightly painted matatu pulls up, and the conductor calls out your route. You hand him a few coins, share a quick joke about the traffic, and get onboard.

If you want to truly feel Nairobi and get to know its people, you’ll have to hop on a matatu. Here, they're more than just minibuses – they’re eye-catching pieces of moving art.

The matatu experience in Kenya is just one of those things you have to try for yourself. If you’re curious to know how to ride one, the best routes for sightseeing, and how to get around Nairobi – then you’ve come to the right place.

Matatus have come a long way since their early days as a simple means of commuting from point A to B. The word itself comes from the Swahili phrase “ma tatu,” meaning “three,” a nod to the early days when fares were a flat rate of just three shillings. Today, matatus in Kenya have evolved into an iconic symbol of city life – vibrant, loud, and always on the move.

A typical matatu is a colourful minibus that seats anywhere between 14 and 24 passengers. Each one is an artwork on wheels. Think plastered portraits of pop icons, bright graffiti, or cheeky quotes. Inside, it feels more like someone’s living room, and it’s almost always electric. You’ll sometimes find flashing LED lights, thumping music, and locals from every walk of life chatting or scrolling on their phones.

Though privately owned, matatus are an essential part of Nairobi transport, running on hundreds of routes that connect just about every neighbourhood. Now, Nairobi’s matatu culture is deeply woven into the city’s identity, especially amongst young people and locals on the go.

And no two matatus in Kenya are the same. Some are odes to hip-hop music, while others celebrate Kenyan culture with flags, proverbs, and local heroes spray-painted across the sides. If you love street art and photography, then you'll love matatus.

More than just a means of transport, matatus serve as platforms for advertising, artistic expression, and cultural identity. These rides are so influential in Kenya that owners use them to showcase emerging talent – like moving billboards or mobile DJs.

So, how do you actually make use of a matatu in Kenya? Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward.

Matatus operate on fixed routes that usually start from busy downtown hubs like Kencom, Ambassadeur Bus Stage, or Railways Bus Stage/Station. Each matatu has its route number displayed on the windshield, and the conductor (known as the makanga) calls out destinations with enthusiasm, so you definitely won’t miss your route.

Basically, every matatu has a driver and a makanga who calls out the destination to attract passengers and then collects payments before boarding.

Fares are very affordable, generally ranging between 20 and 100 local shillings depending on distance and traffic, though prices can increase during rush hour. Payment is usually in cash, but many now accept M-Pesa, Kenya’s mobile money platform. To get off, simply tell the makanga your stop. They’ll usually give you a nod or a shout when it’s time, but keep your eye on the route in case they forget. For first-timers, mid-morning or early afternoon rides tend to be less crowded and more relaxed.

Beyond the practicality, the matatu ride itself is part of the experience. You might strike up a conversation with a student heading to class or a shop owner off to the market. Nairobians are very friendly, and swapping stories or local food tips with fellow passengers is often the highlight of the journey.

Riding a matatu in Kenya comes with its own unspoken code. First and foremost, always try to respect personal space, even in crowded conditions. Keep your belongings close: preferably carry a cross-body bag that you can place on your lap during the ride. Also, avoid sprawling into your neighbour's seat, and be mindful when entering or exiting to let others move first.

Payment is usually made in cash or via mobile phone, so it’s wise to have small bills or M-Pesa on hand to avoid delays. If you’re unsure of the fare, politely ask the makanga before boarding.

Matatus are known for their loud music, colourful lights, and fast pace, so it’s best to go with the flow. Don’t argue with the crew about driving style, music, or routes. But if something feels off, you can simply hop off at the next stop. Keep your phone and valuables secure, as pick-pocketing can sometimes happen in busy areas.

And finally, greet fellow passengers with a smile or hello, and thank the makanga as you hop off. These are all small gestures, but they go a long way in Nairobi’s vibrant, communal culture.

Short answer: Anywhere.

The best part of travelling by matatu in Kenya is how accessible it makes the city’s highlights. You can reach almost every major attraction in Nairobi for less than the price of a coffee.

From downtown, a quick matatu ride can take you to the Nairobi National Museum, where you can explore the country’s history and art. Heading west, the lively neighbourhood of Westlands is just a few stops away along Waiyaki Way, offering a vibrant mix of restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. You’ll also find the comfortable ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands, which is perfectly located for exploring the city – but we'll dive into the details of that shortly.

To the south, the leafy suburb of Karen is within easy reach. Here, you can visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the historic home of the author of "Out of Africa," or stop by the Giraffe Centre to feed towering Rothschild giraffes. If you’re craving nature, take a matatu toward Kiserian or Karen to reach the Ngong Hills, where panoramic trails offer a refreshing escape from the city buzz. And of course, no trip is complete without a visit to City Market or Maasai Market, both easily reached by matatu for authentic crafts and colourful souvenirs.

For more inspiration, check out our top 10 recommendations on where to go in Nairobi.

While matatus are the heart of Nairobi transport, the city offers several other ways to explore. Boda bodas, or motorbike taxis, are great for short, quick rides. They’re more for the adventurous travellers, so just be sure to wear a helmet and hold on tight. Nairobi buses are larger and calmer, ideal if you prefer a slower, family-friendly option.

For convenience, ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Uber, and Little Cab are widely used, especially for late-night trips or when carrying luggage. And for those staying in areas like Westlands or Kilimani, walking during the day is a pleasant way to soak in Nairobi’s street life and café culture.

Still, for budget-conscious travellers who want to feel local, nothing beats the matatu. It’s cheap, frequent, and full of the city’s infectious energy. Every ride is an experience on its own.

After a full day of matatu-hopping, there’s no better way to unwind than at a spot that’s both chic and convenient. ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands perfectly blends style, comfort, and affordability in the heart of the city.

Located along one of the city’s main transport routes, the hotel puts you just steps away from easy matatu access. Inside, you’ll find cosy, modern rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, hearty breakfasts, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Nairobi skyline. It’s designed for travellers who want to see more of the city, making it a perfect home base for a memorable stay that doesn’t break the bank.