Introduction
Public transport is the lifeblood of Kenya, moving millions daily from home to work, school, markets, and beyond. For most Kenyans - around 70-80% - matatus, buses, boda bodas, and trains are not just options but necessities, offering affordable mobility in cities where car ownership remains out of reach for many.
Understanding Kenya’s public transport system helps you navigate efficiently, safely, and economically. Whether you’re new to a city, visiting, or simply want to optimize your commute, this comprehensive guide covers all major public transport modes, costs, routes, safety tips, and practical advice for Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other towns.
Types of Public Transport in Kenya
1. Matatus (Minibuses)
What They Are: 14-seater minibuses (though some larger); backbone of Kenyan public transport
Who Operates: Private operators (licensed by NTSA)
Coverage: Extensive (even remote areas)
Cost: KES 30-200 depending on distance (urban routes)
Advantages:
- Widespread coverage
- Frequent (no fixed schedule; leaves when full)
- Relatively affordable
Disadvantages:
- Can be unsafe (reckless driving, overcrowding)
- Uncomfortable (cramped, especially when full)
- Sometimes unreliable (breakdowns, route changes)
2. Buses
Types:
- City Buses: Large public buses (Nairobi City County buses, Citi Hoppa, KBS)
- Long-Distance Buses: Cross-country (Easy Coach, Modern Coast, Mash, Guardian)
Cost: City buses KES 30-100; long-distance varies (Nairobi-Mombasa KES 1,000-2,500)
Advantages:
- More comfortable than matatus
- Safer (generally)
- Some routes have designated bus lanes (faster)
Disadvantages:
- Less frequent than matatus
- Limited routes (compared to matatus)
3. Boda Bodas (Motorcycle Taxis)
What They Are: Motorbike taxis; riders transport passengers
Cost: KES 50-300 short rides (negotiable)
Advantages:
- Fast (navigate traffic easily)
- Convenient (can drop you anywhere)
- Available even in rural areas
Disadvantages:
- Dangerous: High accident rates
- No safety gear often
- Unregulated (some riders reckless)
4. Trains
Types:
- SGR (Standard Gauge Railway): Modern train (Nairobi-Mombasa, Nairobi-Naivasha)
- Commuter Rail: Urban trains (Nairobi Metro)
Cost: SGR KES 1,000-3,000 (Nairobi-Mombasa); Commuter trains KES 30-100
Advantages:
- Comfortable (SGR)
- Safe
- Reliable schedule
- Scenic
Disadvantages:
- Limited routes
- SGR: Few daily trips
- Commuter trains: Limited coverage
5. Tuk-Tuks (Three-Wheelers)
Common In: Mombasa, some smaller towns
Cost: KES 50-200
Advantages: Cheaper than taxis, navigate narrow streets
Disadvantages: Limited capacity (2-3 passengers), not in all cities
6. Ferries
Location: Mombasa (Likoni Ferry - crosses Mombasa Island to South Coast)
Cost: Pedestrians free; vehicles pay
Essential: For South Coast residents working on island
7. Taxis & Ride-Hailing (For Comparison)
Apps: Uber, Bolt, Little Cab
Cost: KES 200-1,000+ (depending on distance)
Not Truly Public Transport: More expensive; for those who can afford
Nairobi Public Transport
Matatu Routes
Major Routes & Termini:
CBD Termini:
- Railway Station: Routes to Nairobi West, Langata, Ngong Road
- Afya Centre: Ngong Road routes (Kawangware, Kibera, etc.)
- OTC/Mfangano Street: Westlands, Kangemi routes
- Tom Mboya Street/Koja: Eastlands routes (Umoja, Donholm, Pipeline, Kayole, etc.)
- River Road: Thika Road routes (Kasarani, Githurai, Ruiru, Thika)
- City Stadium: Embakasi, South C routes
Sample Routes & Costs:
- CBD to Westlands: KES 50-70
- CBD to Eastleigh: KES 50
- CBD to Kasarani: KES 60-80
- CBD to Ngong: KES 80-100
- CBD to Rongai: KES 70-100
- CBD to Kitengela: KES 100-150
SACCOs: Matatus organized into SACCOs (e.g., Citi Hoppa, KBS, Embassava, Compliant, etc.)
Nairobi Buses
City County Buses: Green buses; limited routes; KES 30-50
Private Buses:
- Citi Hoppa (green/yellow)
- KBS (blue)
- Double M (white/red)
Routes: Similar to matatus but fewer
Cost: KES 30-80
Nairobi Commuter Rail
Routes:
- Nairobi Central to Syokimau/Kitengela
- Nairobi to Embakasi Village
- Nairobi to Kahawa West
- Nairobi to Ruiru
Cost: KES 30-100
Schedule: Morning and evening peak times (check Kenya Railways website/app)
Advantages: Avoid traffic; comfortable; affordable
Disadvantage: Limited routes; not frequent
Nairobi BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) - Planned
Status: Under construction (Green Park to James Gichuru Road; 27km)
Expected: Dedicated bus lanes; faster commutes
Launch: Phased (parts operational; full system pending)
Boda Bodas
Everywhere: Available throughout Nairobi
Cost: KES 50-300 short trips
Stages: Designated boda boda stages (not everywhere legal)
Safety: Use helmet (if provided); hold on tight; avoid at night
Mombasa Public Transport
Matatus
Major Routes:
- Likoni: Across ferry to South Coast (Likoni, Diani)
- Bamburi/Nyali: North Coast
- Changamwe: Industrial area
- CBD Routes: Connecting various estates
Cost: KES 30-100
Likoni Ferry
Route: Mombasa Island to South Coast (Likoni)
Cost: Pedestrians free; vehicles KES 120-200
Frequency: Continuous (24 hours)
Challenge: Long queues (peak hours); occasional delays
Alternative: Use northern route via Makupa Causeway (long detour for South Coast)
Tuk-Tuks
Common: Especially Old Town, narrow streets
Cost: KES 50-200
Advantages: Navigate Old Town easily; cheaper than taxis
Buses
Less Common: Matatus dominate
Boda Bodas
Available: Throughout Mombasa
Cost: KES 50-200
Kisumu Public Transport
Matatus
Main Terminus: Kondele, Jua Kali
Routes: Cover city and surrounding areas (Mamboleo, Nyalenda, Dunga, etc.)
Cost: KES 30-100
Boda Bodas
Very Common: Key transport mode in Kisumu
Cost: KES 50-150
Tuk-Tuks
Growing: Increasingly popular
Buses
Limited: Matatus dominate
Other Kenyan Towns
Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika, Machakos, Etc.
Matatus: Primary transport
Boda Bodas: Common
Tuk-Tuks: In some towns
Costs: Generally KES 30-100 urban trips
Long-Distance Travel
Buses
Major Companies:
- Easy Coach (premium; reliable)
- Modern Coast
- Mash Poa
- Guardian Coach
- Tahmeed
- Buscar
- Mololine
Major Routes & Costs (approximate):
- Nairobi-Mombasa: KES 1,000-2,500 (5-7 hours)
- Nairobi-Kisumu: KES 800-1,500 (5-6 hours)
- Nairobi-Eldoret: KES 800-1,500 (5-6 hours)
- Nairobi-Malaba (Uganda border): KES 1,200-2,000
- Nairobi-Busia: KES 1,200-1,800
Booking:
- Online (company websites, apps like BusPark)
- Offices/bus stations (Machakos Country Bus, Busstation Dagoretti, Msa Rd)
Classes: Economy, Business, VIP (price increases with comfort)
Amenities: VIP often has Wi-Fi, charging ports, AC, more legroom
Matatus (Long-Distance)
Also Available: Cheaper than buses but less comfortable
Example: Nairobi-Mombasa matatu ~KES 800-1,000
Disadvantage: Less safe (speeding common); uncomfortable (cramped)
SGR (Nairobi-Mombasa)
Schedule: 2 trains daily each direction
Classes:
- Economy: KES 1,000
- Business: KES 3,000
- First Class: Discontinued
Duration: ~5 hours
Booking:
- Online: www.booking.krc.co.ke
- Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau)
- Mombasa Terminus (Miritini)
Advantages: Comfortable; scenic; safe; punctual
Disadvantage: Termini far from CBD (taxi/matatu needed)
SGR (Nairobi-Naivasha)
Phase 2A: Extended to Naivasha
Cost: KES 300-900 (Nairobi-Naivasha)
Useful For: Trips to Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret (connect to bus)
Flights
Domestic Flights: Available (Nairobi-Mombasa, Nairobi-Kisumu, etc.) but expensive (KES 5,000-15,000)
Airlines: Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Fly540
For Most Kenyans: Too expensive; buses/SGR used
Costs Summary
Nairobi Urban Transport
- Short matatu ride: KES 30-50
- Medium matatu ride: KES 50-100
- Long urban matatu: KES 100-200
- Bus: KES 30-80
- Boda boda: KES 50-300
- Commuter train: KES 30-100
- Uber/Bolt (comparison): KES 200-1,000+
Mombasa Urban
- Matatu: KES 30-100
- Tuk-tuk: KES 50-200
- Boda boda: KES 50-200
- Ferry: Free (pedestrians)
Kisumu Urban
- Matatu: KES 30-100
- Boda boda: KES 50-150
Long-Distance
- Nairobi-Mombasa bus: KES 1,000-2,500
- Nairobi-Mombasa SGR: KES 1,000-3,000
- Nairobi-Kisumu bus: KES 800-1,500
Payment Methods
Cash
Still Dominant: Most matatus and boda bodas cash-only
Carry Small Notes: KES 50, 100, 200 (conductors often claim no change!)
Cashless (Growing)
Some Matatus: Accept M-Pesa
Buses: Some accept cards, M-Pesa
SGR: Book online (M-Pesa, card)
Uber/Bolt: Cashless (M-Pesa, card)
Safety Tips
General
1. Use Licensed Transport: Look for NTSA stickers, number plates
2. Avoid Overcrowded Vehicles: Uncomfortable and unsafe
3. Seat Belt: If available, wear it (front seats usually have them)
4. Avoid Night Travel: Especially matatus and boda bodas (higher accident/crime risk)
5. Keep Valuables Secure: Phone in pocket (not hand); bag on lap (not overhead rack where it can be stolen)
6. Be Aware: Watch surroundings; trust gut (if feels unsafe, get off)
7. Share Trip: Tell someone your route and expected arrival time (especially long-distance)
8. Avoid First/Last Seats: In matatu, middle seats safer (accidents often impact front/back most)
Matatus Specifically
Red Flags:
- Speeding: Get off if driver driving dangerously
- Overloading: Illegal and unsafe
- Playing Loud Music: Distracts driver
- Tout Hanging Out Door: Illegal; unsafe
Do:
- Choose reputable SACCOs (Citi Hoppa, KBS generally better than random matatus)
- Sit near exit (easier to get off if needed)
- Keep emergency contacts handy
Boda Bodas
Highest Risk: Accidents common
Safety Steps:
- Helmet: Always insist on helmet (even if rider says no need)
- One Rider Only: Don’t share boda with strangers
- Known Stages: Use registered boda boda stages (not random riders)
- Negotiate Price First: Avoid disputes
- Hold On: Use handlebars or rider’s shoulders (not waist)
- Avoid:
- Night rides
- Drunk riders (smell alcohol? Refuse)
- Riders without reflector jackets/helmets
- Poorly maintained bikes
Alternatives: If destination is matatu-accessible, prefer matatu
Long-Distance Buses
Choose Reputable Companies: Easy Coach, Mash, Modern Coast (established)
Avoid:
- Unknown companies
- Buses in poor condition
- Night travel (if possible; daylight safer)
Do:
- Book in advance (avoid rushing for last seat)
- Check reviews online
- Keep valuables with you (not in luggage compartment where they can be stolen)
Trains (SGR)
Very Safe: Security checks, modern infrastructure
Arrive Early: Security checks take time (30-60 mins before departure)
Etiquette & Unwritten Rules
Matatus
1. Pay Conductor: Not driver (hand money to conductor or pass it forward)
2. Say “Stage”: To get off, say “stage” or tap coins/keys on window
3. Pass Money: If you’re in back, passengers pass money forward and change back
4. No Eating: Generally frowned upon (unless long-distance)
5. Respect Others: Don’t play loud music on phone; use earphones
6. Offer Seat: To elderly, pregnant women, parents with babies
Boda Bodas
1. Negotiate First: Agree on price before riding (avoid disputes)
2. Wear Helmet: Insist on it
3. No Distractions: Don’t use phone while riding
Buses
1. Queue: Don’t push; wait your turn
2. Let People Off First: Before boarding
3. Seats: Front seats often reserved for elderly/disabled
Tips for Saving Money
1. Walk Short Distances
KES 50 Matatu Ride: For 10-minute walk? Walk (save money, get exercise)
2. Use Matatus Over Uber
KES 50 Matatu vs. KES 300 Uber: Massive savings
3. Travel Off-Peak
Some Routes: Cheaper during off-peak hours
4. Monthly Passes
Commuter Trains: Offer monthly passes (cheaper than daily tickets)
5. Share Boda Boda
With Colleague/Friend: Split cost (if going same direction)
6. Use Apps
BusPark: Compare bus prices, book cheaply
Uber/Bolt: Compare prices; sometimes have promos
7. Avoid Unnecessary Trips
Combine Errands: One trip instead of multiple
Accessibility
Challenges
Limited Accessibility: For disabled persons
Most Matatus: Not wheelchair-accessible
Buses: Some newer ones have ramps (rare)
SGR: More accessible
Boda Bodas: Not suitable for many disabled people
Improvements Needed
Advocacy Ongoing: For accessible public transport
Private Solutions: Some disability organizations offer transport
Apps & Digital Tools
Navigation
Google Maps: Works for Nairobi, Mombasa (shows matatu routes, bus stops)
Moovit: Public transport app (Kenya routes)
Booking
BusPark: Book long-distance buses
Kenya Railways: SGR booking
Uber/Bolt: Ride-hailing (not public transport but alternative)
Payment
M-Pesa: Accepted by some matatus, buses, SGR
Future of Kenyan Public Transport
Developments
1. Nairobi BRT: Under construction; will improve commute
2. Commuter Rail Expansion: More routes planned
3. SGR Extension: Phase 2B to Malaba (Uganda border) planned
4. Cashless Payment: Growing adoption
5. Electric Buses: Pilots underway (environmentally friendly)
6. Ride-Hailing for Matatus: Apps connecting passengers to matatus (e.g., Matatu Culture)
Challenges Facing Kenyan Public Transport
1. Safety
Accidents: Reckless driving, poorly maintained vehicles
Crime: Pickpocketing, mugging (especially peak hours)
2. Congestion
Nairobi Traffic: Notorious; matatus stuck for hours
Solution: BRT, expanded rail, decongestion policies
3. Inefficiency
Matatus: Wait until full (delays)
No Fixed Schedule: Unpredictable
4. Regulation
Enforcement: Weak (overloading, reckless driving often unpunished)
Corruption: Bribes to traffic police
5. Comfort
Overcrowding: Especially peak hours
Condition: Some vehicles old, poorly maintained
6. Accessibility
Disabled Persons: Limited options
Conclusion
Kenyan public transport, while imperfect, is essential infrastructure connecting millions to opportunities, services, and loved ones daily. Matatus remain the backbone - affordable (KES 30-200 urban), extensive coverage, frequent - but come with safety and comfort challenges. Buses offer more comfort, trains (SGR, commuter rail) provide safety and reliability, and boda bodas deliver speed and convenience despite high accident risks.
Navigate the system successfully by understanding routes (Nairobi’s major termini: Railway, Afya, OTC, Koja, River Road), costs (typically KES 30-100 urban, KES 1,000-2,500 long-distance), payment (cash still dominant, cashless growing), and safety practices (avoid overcrowding, night travel, insist on helmets for boda bodas, use reputable SACCOs and bus companies).
Save money by walking short distances, using matatus over taxis (KES 50 vs. KES 300+), traveling off-peak, and combining errands. Stay safe by keeping valuables secure, watching for red flags (speeding, overloading), choosing licensed operators, and trusting your instincts.
While challenges persist - accidents, congestion, limited accessibility - improvements are coming: Nairobi BRT, commuter rail expansion, cashless systems, and better regulation. Understanding and mastering Kenya’s public transport is a valuable life skill, empowering efficient, affordable mobility. Whether you’re commuting to work, visiting family, or exploring the country, this guide equips you to navigate confidently. Safe travels!