A matatu is a public service vehicle that most Kenyans use on a daily basis.
Majority of Kenyans use matatus because they are convenient and come in handy when we want to save that extra coin on traveling cost.
However, despite the convenience that comes with the public service vehicles, some aspects are downright annoying.
Matatu rides are often times very unpleasant and unfortunately, this experience cuts across the entire industry.
In interviews on Wednesday, frequent matatu users shared the nasty experiences they have encountered while travelling in the vehicles in an industry rife with chaos and disorder.
Names of interviewees have been changed for privacy reasons.
1.Poor hygiene
The number one struggle is filthy and unhygienic matatus. They exhibit poor hygiene conditions especially inside the vehicles.
"Matatus are in terrible hygiene conditions to the extent that sometimes you encounter bedbugs and cockroaches."Dilo said.
2. Use of vulgar language
Vulgar and disrespectful language has become synonymous with most matatu crew.
This is especially when passengers act contrary to their to what the conductors expect, like refusing to board their vehicles for whatever reason.
"There is a time I was insulted because I refused to share my number with a conductor. I felt so offended." Kio said.
3. Old and poor vehicle conditions
Kenyans have expressed that majority of the vehicles are unroadworthy and are rarely serviced.
Chairs are old, some metal parts inside the vehicles are rusted and have been exposed and can hurt passengers and expose them to tetanus.
The engine cover in some matatus is uncovered and exposed with the resultant heat emitted from the engine making it very uncomfortable for passengers in the front seats.
Majority of the matatus are also so old and often break down on the road and emit harmful gases that are dangerous to the atmosphere.
4. Stuffiness
Most matatus have no air ventilation once locked. The windows do not open, somewhat intentionally held in position with glue.
There is no free flow of fresh air and yet they are vehicles that are used publicly.
"It is so devastating during very hot days the stuffiness in the matatus is so uncomfortable. It's worse when it rains since people do not open the windows that are not functional in the first place." Koki said.
5. Sexual harassment
This is especially towards women. Female passengers have experienced this severally when boarding matatus.
Some conductors sexually harass women both physically and verbally. .
"I have been cooed at multiple times by conductors who have even made inappropriate comments about my body or outfit. It is disgusting and should stop. They need to handle their work with professionalism." Jade said.
6. Lying about routes
Kenyans who regularly use PSV's have experienced this at least once in their lives.
Some, if not all matatu crew lie about the route they intend to use thereby misleading passengers.
You end up being dropped at a very inconvenient spot.
Sometimes, they bypass your stage and drop you farther ahead where you either have to walk back or take another matatu or boda boda back to your destination.
7. Risk of theft
While in a matatu, you have to be on the look for pickpockets and thieves who could easily steal your belongings.
Phones and electronic gadgets are their favourite meaning you have to be vigilant and keep your gadgets out of sight.
8. Congestion of passengers
This is a common struggle that Kenyans face almost daily while using matatus.
This is the norm especially during peak hours early morning and late evening. Passengers board the vehicles beyond capacity in an effort to arrive on time.
"There is a time I boarded a matatu that was full. I had no choice since I had to get to work on time. I stood all the way from town to work, I was so annoyed and yet I still had to pay the same amount of fare,"Angela said.
9. Hiked fares when it rains
This is certainly the most unfair form of struggle passengers encounter.
What does the rain have to do with anything? Matatus are so quick to increase the fare immediately a drop of rain appears.
The worst part is that they become very few and passengers have to scramble for the few available ones for fear of being rained on.
Most matatu crew take advantage of this high demand and low supply to hike fares sometimes by double.
10. Dishonesty about fare cost
Every matatu has one or several touts whose work is to beckon passengers to board particular vehicles.
Passengers are usually deceived into believing the touts are the conductors travelling with the vehicle.
So in an effort to get passengers to board the vehicles quickly, the touts quote lower fares by say Sh10 or Sh20.
Once the vehicle is full and the tout gets his commission, the conductor gets in, a totally new person and starts charging higher fares.
Usually, no amount of protests from passengers gets them to change their minds.
This often inconveniences majority of passengers.
Furthermore, some conductors don't feel the need to return change to the passengers.
"There is a time I gave out Sh500 and I did not receive my change back. It really disrupted my whole week." James said.
