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Matatu Etiquette: Common Annoyances on Kenyan Public Transport

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 2 min read

This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.

Published on December 19, 2019, a day that saw many Kenyans sharing their experiences with public transportation. For some, it's a necessary evil, while for others, it's a preferred mode of transport. However, there are those who make the experience unbearable for others.

One such experience was shared by a colleague, Chege, who opted out of matatus three years ago. When asked why, he narrated the challenges he faced, including quarreling with conductors and encountering weird things while on board.

Some of the most annoying things Kenyan ladies do in matatus include eating in a matatu, occupying a lot of space, being touchy-touchy with their male partners, farting in the matatu then pretending it's not them, talking loudly, and littering.

For instance, eating in a matatu is not only inconsiderate but also unhygienic. Passengers are left to inhale the smell of food while others are left to salivate over the smell. It's essential to respect fellow passengers and not treat a matatu like a personal car.

Similarly, occupying a lot of space without considering others is inconsiderate. If you don't want to sit with someone else, it's best to pay for the double seat. Being touchy-touchy with your partner in a matatu is also not acceptable, as it promotes public indecency and can be uncomfortable for other passengers.

Other common annoyances include farting in the matatu and pretending it's not you, talking loudly on the phone or with friends, and littering. These behaviors not only make the ride uncomfortable but also put the safety of other passengers at risk.

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