Details of Nairobi's Latest Matatu Making over KSh 10k Daily
- Stung, a matatu operating along the Komarock route in Nairobi, is one of Nairobi's latest
- The passenger service vehicle turned necks with its simple paint scheme and unique light bars
- Graff Matwana, the Matatu Culture founder, spoke to TUKO.co.ke about how much Stung cost and makes daily
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Nairobi's latest souped-up matatu, Stung, rakes in over KSh10,000 daily.
Komarock's Stung recently hit the roads. Photo: Matwana Matatu Culture. Source: Youtube
How much do matatus make in Nairobi?
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Matwana Matatu Culture founder Brian Wanyama said the matatu currently reigning supreme in Komarock cost KSh10 million to build.
"Matatu lovers in Komarock had been waiting for it for a while. It is finally here, and customers are excited. It has already set a standard such that anyone else trying to unveil another matatu has to reconsider.
The competition has to go back to the drawing board. This is because when designing such a matatu, you strive to be the most competitive," said Wanyama.
According to the entrepreneur, the glistening light-green behemoth took four months to fabricate, but it was worth it because its exquisite design has proved popular among commuters.
"These matatus are expensive and must consider that it is the latest model with a Euro 4 engine. The design quality is also a factor, considering some just concentrate on artwork. Simplicity is everything. It makes money at least KSh14,000 on a busy day.
When it is hired for private use, it makes more. For private use, it has to justify not being on the road and, as such, can rake in KSh20,000 daily.”
He explained that the vehicle's expansive bodywork, posh interior and surround sound did not come cheap.
"Its design and colour are on point. They took time to design it. These matatus take three to four months to fabricate. Customisations on parts such as the bumpers take time. It is also an expensive venture; it needs much money.”
He noted that Stung’s unique paint job and lights cost an arm and leg.
Wanyama noted that Stung is in high demand.
“Before it reaches the stage at the CBD, it's already full! If someone were to inquire about the best matatu in Kangundo Road, everyone would say it is Stung. It has set the pace.”
For matatu lovers in the city, Stung was the real deal.
“Unique one,” wrote Mwaniki Godthard Ichahuria.
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Which matatu has basketball hoop?
Stung's grand entry into the market comes days after its Embakasi counterpart, Droid, turned heads with its full-size basketball hoop.
Droid divided opinion after photos of the hoop mounted on its back surfaced online as it cruised along Moi Avenue, Nairobi.
Unbeknownst to many, the hoop was temporarily mounted to promote Red Bull's 3on3 basketball tournament at the United States International University-Africa.