When in a Nairobi Matatu there are several things you should not do, or avoid. Sometimes we become so careless that we end up regretting our actions.
Never board City Hoppa or the big Manyangas past 10pm—Board a Nissan Matatu
You have all heard in many occasions being reported that City Hoppa,City Shuttle and the big manyangas have been hijacked, but never at any given time you have heard that a Nissan Matatu has been hijacked.Normally,robbers in Nairobi target the big buses because they know the number in those buses is huge,which translates to more money and property. In a bus like City Hoppa,there are about 45 passengers.Due to this huge number, it’s easy for 5 robbers to comfortably sit inside and wait for the right time to strike.But in a Nissan Matatu,it’s hard for robbers to steal because only less than 16 passengers are sitted inside.
When travelling in Nairobi past 10pm, you should board a Nissan matatu because it’s safer.
Never receive a call when the matatu window is open
In 2008, when I was new in Nairobi I almost lost my phone at Muthurwa Market.I was in a bus and without my knowledge, someone was trailing me from outside.As the bus slowly snaked towards town,I heard someone get hold of my phone,luckily,It was firmly in my left hand. I kicked him once and he disappeared.My mistake was that the window that was at my seat was open,so he took advantage of that loophole.
If you’re new in Nairobi, make sure you close the window next to you whenever you make and receive calls,or even when holding a phone on your hand.
Not asking for change in time
If you give a makanga Ksh1, 000, make sure you always remind him of change. Nairobi conductors have a habit of not giving passengers change. The best you can do is remind him severally until you alight, otherwise they will go with your money even if they are aware you didn’t receive the change.
Fighting with the conductor
Unless you are in a group, don’t dare fight with an arrogant conductor, he can kill you and nothing will happen. I think you have heard many cases where passengers are thrown out of a moving bus and they break their skull-this results from an argument with the conductor.
The best way to react with an arrogant conductor is to keep your cool and alight in peace. Sometimes these people are in groups. You may attack him thinking he is tiny only to find a gang boarding the vehicle to deal with you.
Putting your phone in the pocket when you are absent minded.
If you are in deep stress and in a hurry, always carry your phone and some money in your hands. Putting them in your pocket might disappear without your knowledge.
By the way, Nairobi thieves are very clever; they know how to spot their prey. When you enter any vehicle, you won’t know who the thief is and who is a Christian, everyone looks Godly, but when you alight minus your things, you will curse why you came to Nairobi.
Boarding a vehicle without knowing how much they’ll charge
Never make a mistake to board any matatu without knowing fare prices: Nairobi matatus are not like those in village where the price is fixed. Fare prices here vary based on weather and available people on stage. If you hear the conductor saying, Rongai, Rongai, Rongai, don’t board that vehicle because it will exploit you. Board a vehicle where the conductor states what he charges.
Eating Food Given by another passenger
Never make a mistake of eating anything given to you by a fellow passenger unless you know them.
Something happened to one of my friends a year ago.She was sitted next to a female passenger who was selling perfumes. The passenger explained to my friend about the perfumes,how she imports from Dubai and how cheap they are.She took one from her pocket and told my friend to sniff and see whether she’d like the smell.The next hour,my friend woke up in Kitengela—she was to alight at Imara Daima.
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