Matatus – Nairobi’s bold, colorful minibuses – face a future of uncertainty

Nairobi's streets are alive with the sound of matatus – vibrant minibuses that cruise through traffic, blasting music as they go.

Each matatu outdoes the last with louder music, graffiti artwork, neon lights, and entertainment that draws in passengers.

Affordable, convenient, and often chaotic, matatus are the preferred transport for many Kenyans. However, they may soon be threatened by government regulations and the rise of alternative transport options.

Brian Wanyama is determined to capture Nairobi's matatu culture before it fades away, seeing these minibuses as a representation of the city’s urban youth culture.

“It’s in our blood. No one can say they haven’t ridden a matatu,” he says.

Nairobi’s moving art scene

Wanyama launched Matwana Matatu Culture to document these ‘museums on wheels’ through his blog and social media channels.

Matatus are decorated with a variety of designs featuring hip-hop icons, international celebrities, athletes, political figures, and even religious symbols. Like mobile radio stations, they blare homegrown music that supports emerging Kenyan artists.

“Seeing the art on the matatus gives you a real sense of Nairobi, because this is a city run by its youth,” says Wanyama.

To stay competitive and draw in passengers, matatu owners must invest heavily to ensure their minibuses are top-notch.

Each matatu is custom-built from the ground up, typically starting with the stripped chassis of a new truck. Fabricators then weld the framework and attach the panels. Once the base structure is complete, matatu artists bring the vehicles to life with graffiti, hand-painted portraits, and striking designs.

Wanyama takes great pride in documenting the creative process of constructing and ‘pimping’ Nairobi’s matatus.

“I see art, not cars,” he says. “When you come here, you get to experience creativity.”

A glimpse into matatu culture

Wanyama captures and shares photos of Nairobi's matatu artwork with his audience. He views his non-profit initiative as a way to preserve the matatu culture for future generations.

“My mission is to protect this industry. Without it, we lose a key form of self-expression,” he shares.

A little over ten years ago, the government outlawed matatu art and loud music for safety concerns. Although the ban was lifted in 2015, Wanyama worries that similar restrictions could return.

Wanyama is also concerned that the rise of modern buses could eventually push out privately owned matatus, which would negatively impact the business.

“Matatu culture needs to feel like it belongs,” he explains. “If we don't take action, it might fade away for good.”