Kenya has embraced the most primitive means of public transport in the history of the world. The privatization of subsidized so-called Nyayo bus in 1995 saw the provision of urban transport move into private hands. Much of it ended up mostly in rich (political elites) who have controlled various transport routes directly or by means of proxy cartels, for example the Mungiki. Since then, the quality of services offered has dwindled due to the unprofessional and careless nature in which the private entities plan and manage the transport services. Profit making has therefore come first before quality service delivery.
The model bus (matatu) used is typically, in majority of cases, a "mobile discotheque" bearing all sort of art mimicking the African American ghetto lifestyle from images, music, videos, tattoos, bling, shiny rims and other fancy ideas. These buses violate most laid out traffic rules hence not only endangering human lives but also destroy vital city infrastructure and the environment in the process.
Although the National Environmental Authority has limited the sound decibel level in public spaces to human health acceptable levels (30-40 decibels), which were
briefly implemented by the late minister Michuki, the laws are hardly adhered to.
The matatu culture also comes with a rampant culture of drug abuse among the driver and co-driver. These drugs range from miraa/khat, marijuana, and also more hardcore drugs. The stressful nature of the job and peer pressure might be some of the reasons why the individuals take the drugs.
Involvement in Road Accidents
It is very near impossible for a day to pass without an accident involving the matatu crooks given the careless nature in which they are operated. An example is the most
recent accident involving a matatu along Langata road in Nairobi that killed four people while injuring six. It is said that the driver of the matatu "lost control" and rolled while he was over-speeding.
Apart from the owners and operators, the passengers themselves take a blame for promoting the dangerous matatu culture. More importantly, the ultimate responsibility rests on the government. However, president Uhuru Kenyatta's actions have raised doubts of any possible improvement in the near future through his endorsement of the culprits who own and operate the matatus.
