Matatu
Encyclopedia
In Kenya and neighboring nations matatu are privately owned minibuses although pick-up truck
s were in the past pressed into service as these East African share taxis. Often decorated, many matatu feature portraits of the famous or slogans and sayings, some religious.
These minibuses ply set routes, run from termini, and are used for both inter and intra-city travel. In addition to a driver, matatu may be staffed by a conductor.
As of 1999 they were the only form of public transport available in Nairobi
, Kenya, although in 2006 and 2008 this was no longer the case. Kampala
, Uganda, may only be serviced by minibuses as of 2008.
this industry is regulated
, and these minibuses must be fitted with seatbelts and speed governors. The Kenyan regime has been described as having extensive regulatory controls, and in this country a matatu worker can be pulled from the streets simply for sporting too loud a shirt.
Present regulation may not be sufficient deterrent to prevent small infractions, as even decoration may be prohibited.
As of December 2010, Kenyan Government policy is to phase out minibus matatu in favor of larger, 25+ seat buses. It could take ten years to clear the minibus from Nairobi streets, however.
, Uganda, has no independent transport authority.
Pick-Up Truck
"Pick-Up Truck" is a song written and recorded by Belgian acid house musician Praga Khan. It is the third single from Praga's eighth studio album, Soundscraper....
s were in the past pressed into service as these East African share taxis. Often decorated, many matatu feature portraits of the famous or slogans and sayings, some religious.
These minibuses ply set routes, run from termini, and are used for both inter and intra-city travel. In addition to a driver, matatu may be staffed by a conductor.
As of 1999 they were the only form of public transport available in Nairobi
Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is...
, Kenya, although in 2006 and 2008 this was no longer the case. Kampala
Kampala
Kampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
, Uganda, may only be serviced by minibuses as of 2008.
Kenyan regulation
In KenyaKenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
this industry is regulated
Regulation
Regulation is administrative legislation that constitutes or constrains rights and allocates responsibilities. It can be distinguished from primary legislation on the one hand and judge-made law on the other...
, and these minibuses must be fitted with seatbelts and speed governors. The Kenyan regime has been described as having extensive regulatory controls, and in this country a matatu worker can be pulled from the streets simply for sporting too loud a shirt.
Present regulation may not be sufficient deterrent to prevent small infractions, as even decoration may be prohibited.
As of December 2010, Kenyan Government policy is to phase out minibus matatu in favor of larger, 25+ seat buses. It could take ten years to clear the minibus from Nairobi streets, however.
Ugandan regulations
As of 2008, KampalaKampala
Kampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
, Uganda, has no independent transport authority.