All Nairobi Matatu Routes and Stages You Need to Know

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. All Nairobi Matatu Routes and Stages You Need to Know

Nairobi matatu routes and stages may seem overwhelming at first, but once you know your way, they are easy to navigate. The matatu system is deeply rooted in Nairobi’s culture and daily life. With many routes and clear stages, all you need is a little attention and local advice to move around confidently. [Photo: Courtesy]

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.