This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
Kenyan matatu culture, once the lifeblood of pop culture, has given way to matatu SACCOs that must adhere to government regulations on branding.
According to the Matatu Owners Association, all matatus on the road must be registered with a SACCO, which are grouped by location.
Some of these SACCOs have names that are both silly and hilarious, such as Kinyana Travellers SACCO, which operates between Kisii and Kericho, and Climax Coaches, which runs between Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, and Bungoma.
Other notable SACCOs include Dix Hult, Ennus, Famwenaakume, Nakamata, Usenge, Nakam, Juthi, Allethea Ventures Ltd, Bakaki Sacco, Eleventh Hour Transport Sacco, En Montee Tech Ltd, Ideline Entreprises, Ricko Bedroom Furniture Nairobi, Karombu Travellers Sacco, Karwikikimu Sacco, Kipsinende Sacco, Kitoma Sacco Society, Coolio Langalanga, Gesarate Trade Link Company Ltd, Ginyali Sacco, Manchester United Sacco, Nangus Co.Ltd, and Nyakaca Travellers Sacco.
These SACCOs operate in various locations across Kenya, including Nairobi, Kisii, Kilgori, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Thika.