Cities are the quintessential examples of complexity. In Nairobi, the dense population, many business operations, complex roads, and the city’s diversity make it easy to get lost.
If you are looking to move to the city, you will need to familiarize yourself with Nairobi matatu routes and respective stages. Nairobi residents who already know the city rarely search for matatu stages and routes. However, for newcomers, this guide is essential.
The matatu industry has changed over time, and many routes are now operated under SACCOs. Knowing your route is the key to moving smoothly around the city.
Understanding the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Stages System
Without matatus, Nairobi comes to a standstill. This often happens during matatu strikes or protests. The entire system of matatu stages in Nairobi may seem chaotic at first, but it actually follows a clear structure. Many of the current routes were created during the Stagecoach era and still carry the same numbers.
The routes are grouped in lettered lines (A to Z), each covering specific destinations. Matatus from different routes operate from various stages within the Central Business District (CBD) or major terminals like Railways, Kencom, OTC, or Ambassador. Here is a full list of all Nairobi matatu routes and the destinations they serve.
A Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 100 – Kiambu
- Route 120 – Githunguri
- Route 121 – Ndumberi
These matatus operate from Odeon, Koja, and Tea Room stages. They travel through Ngara and Pangani to reach Kiambu County.
B Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 17B – Mwiki
- Route 25 – Baba Dogo
- Route 25A – Lucky Summer
- Route 29/30 – Mathare North
- Route 43 – Ngumba
- Route 44 – Kahawa West
- Route 45 – Githurai
- Route 49 – Sunton
- Route 145 – Ruiru Town
These matatus usually operate from Tea Room and Odeon. They serve densely populated estates along Thika Road.
C Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 6 – Eastleigh
- Route 14 – Kariobangi North
- Route 17A – Roundabout to Kayole
- Route 17AKY – Eastleigh to Kayole
- Route 18C – Komarock roundabout to Eastleigh
- Route 31 – Gikomba to Dandora
- Route 32 – Dandora
- Route 46 – Huruma
- Route 37/38 – Roundabout to Ruai
Matatus here operate mostly from OTC and Muthurwa. These routes serve Eastlands and industrial neighborhoods.
D Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 10 – Maringo
- Route 23 – Kariobangi South
- Route 26 – Kariobangi North
- Route 36 – Dandora
- Route 58 – Buruburu
These routes operate from Machakos Bus Station and OTC. They are mainly used by commuters heading to Eastlands estates.
E Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 35/60 – Umoja
- Route 38/39 – Ruai
- Route 19C2 – Umoja or Donholm to Komarock
Matatus on these routes leave from Muthurwa or Bus Station. These are some of the busiest Eastlands routes.
F Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 17B – Muthurwa to Mwiki
- Route 19C – Komarocks
- Route 34B – Jacaranda
- Route 1960 – Kayole
- Route 1961C – Kayole
- Route 1961CK – Caltex to Kayole
These matatus mostly operate from OTC and serve the sprawling Kayole area.
G Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 33F – Fedha Estate
- Route 33PJ – Pipeline via Jogoo Road
- Route 33PM – Pipeline via Mombasa Road
- Route 34 – JKIA
- Route 70/71 – Lunga Lunga
These routes serve areas near the airport, Pipeline, and industrial zones. They mostly operate from Bus Station and OTC.
H Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 12C – South C
- Route 12D – KPA
- Route 33 – Utawala
- Route 110ATH – Athi River
- Route 110KIT – Kitengela
Most of these matatus operate from Railways and Kencom. They serve southern and southeastern Nairobi suburbs.
I Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 14A – Strathmore
- Route 14B – Deep West
- Route 15 – Lang’ata
- Route 16 – Highrise
- Route 34 – Nairobi Hospital to Kenyatta Hospital
- Route 125 – Rongai
- Route 126 – Kiserian
These matatus can be boarded at Kencom, Railways, and Bus Station. They head towards Lang’ata Road and Nairobi’s southern neighborhoods.
J Line Matatu Routes and Destinations
- Route 7C – Kenyatta National Hospital
- Route 8 – Kibera
- Route 24 – Karen
- Route 24C – Hardy
- Route 32 – Ayani
- Route 33 – Ngumo
- Route 111 – Ngong
Matatus here leave from Railways and Afya Centre. They are popular for commuters in the south and southwest parts of the city.
Common Matatu Stages in Nairobi
Knowing where to board your matatu is just as important as knowing your route. Here are some common stages:
- Railways – Serves Rongai, Kitengela, Kawangware, and Ngong.
- OTC – Covers Eastlands routes like Buruburu, Donholm, Kayole, and Komarock.
- Kencom – For Lang’ata, Kibera, Ngong Road, and Karen.
- Odeon and Koja – Serve Githurai, Kahawa, Juja, and Ruiru.
- Afya Centre – Ideal for Upper Hill, Kenyatta, and Kilimani routes.
- Ambassador or Archives – Covers Yaya, Kenyatta Hospital, Kawangware, and Satellite.
- Muthurwa Bus Terminus – Serves long-distance routes outside Nairobi like Nakuru and Kisumu.
Other Common Questions About Nairobi Matatu Routes
Where is the Westlands matatu stage?
It is mainly found at Koja, Odeon, Yaya Centre, or Strathmore School.
Where is the South C matatu stage?
South C matatus can be boarded at Railways or Vus Station.
Where is the Rongai matatu stage?
Popular stages include Carnivore, Railways, Uchumi Lang’ata, and Nakumatt Galleria.
How many matatu routes exist in Nairobi?
There are about 133 officially recognized matatu routes.
Where can you board matatus in Nairobi?
Key stages include Bus Station, Kencom, OTC, Koja, Machakos Country Bus, and Ngara.
