Guys,i have a query. i know most of you will tell me that a mat business is bad,but i want to give it a chance and this is not a joke. i love transport business and my heart is there,but i am not touching any taxi business hata,i tried once and as guys say 'iliniota kama moto'. i need advice on this. which is better? do i get a new mat ama i get an old one,use it kifogo kidogo mpaka it buy a new one? anyone who has been in this business? i have a very effective crue that is dependable on

fellwo SK members,i need wosia



I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus

This biz is good for those with time to manage it. if dont have the time then you might be giving someone an open cheque. Also get a new mat. An old one will also be very easy for fraud from the crew. and BTW dont talk of trusted crew they are all the same. Its only the magnitude of stealing that varies.

double eem

the business has risks,very true,many fall by the wayside and quit but there is a group that makes it.

i have buddies who have advised me to get a new Mat and put it on Long distnace routes like meru,Namanga. others have told me that since iam an office person and may not make it to always go and see whats happening and sort out any mess arising,the better altenative is to buy a second hand mat and put it in routes viewed as less profitable,routes with less police interference. Is there any SK guy who can advice us on this issue? i am very much interesetd,i have tried to wish away the desire but i find myself with passion to make it in this venture

SK person with experiebce and a word on this?


I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus

I have been in this thing since 2003 and it all boils down to management. For beginners you must have a mechanically sound vehicle. The newer the better for you will spend less time and money on repairs. Then you must get a crew with the right amount of experience,ie,adequate knowledge of mechanics,accident scene management,peculiar habits of law enforcers on the route of operation,commuter's travelling habits,the powers and jurisdiction of various extortion gangs and their members. Last but not least you must have an incentive plan in place to promote maximum returns. I.e bailing them out on traffic offences,giving the driver or the conductor well defined executive powers. You must know a good mechanic for repairs. It is mandatory for beginners to have mentors for atleast 3 months as they learn the ropes of trade.

Osama bin Laden

i hav a friend of mine his is a 29 seater very clean n well supped up,lakini its now on its 3rd engine and 2nd gearbox. Kenyan matatu drivers are a real mess.

He who fights and runs away,shall leave to fight another day.

I fully agree with tmatekwa. I have been in the biz for about four years and I can not complain about how I am doing. I ventured into the business to ensure that I had a source of income in case I was retrenched which was quite common in the place where I work. When starting,one can experience very expensive lessons including unscrupulous financiers,crew,mechanics,police etc. With experience,however,the returns can be quite handsome. To me the mat biz is just like many other businesses.


kn

What are you willing to risk?

If you are cautious go for the older nissan. However note that u may sumbuka due to frequent breakdowns. But tis a lower risk while you learn the ropes.

A newer model should give less stress when it comes to repairs hence more value. It costs more than twice the price of the older vehicle... a higher risk,just make sure you take insure comprehensively!

Avoid the shark,unless you are planning to operate on long distance or medium distances. It's spares are very expensive. Avoid kaz. This is a thing that is about to clock 2years,a time when overhaul of major systems is due. It will chew some 100k in the next 12 months,and this is on the lower end. To add salt to injury you will be lucky to dispose it at 600k come same time next year. As for the kap just make sure that the chassis is still intact. Ie no welding no bends no cracks. Be prepared to overhaul front suspension,engine,transmission,electrical and brakeing,engine cooling systems,reinforce the floor and front bumper. Get good body work and interior decor. A music system without the bass speaker.(you may install it latter after knowing your way around.). A video system,some fancy wheels,then viola! You are ready for business. Your 150k may be inadequate. So push a harder bargain,like 120k to 150k. Give them a target of 3k daily. Operate the thing for 12 months and dispose at 300k o.n.o. Best town routes 105,30,12,33 well organised. Most chaotic 46,2,111,8,4,56,and any other route dominated by touts and kissi. Most lucrative 125,102,2,111,110,and any other route not dominated by citi hopper. Most dangerous routes 23,2,102,and any route controlled by mungiki. Frequent hijackings,strikes. The golden rule. MATATU CREWS ONLY HAVE EXPERIENCE ON ONE OR TWO ROUTES. SO DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXPORT OR IMPORT ANY.

Osama bin Laden

You being a novice in the game,you are likely to be taken advantage of by mechanics and brokers. On my part 200k may do. However,you need the help of a mechanic to evaluate what you intend to buy. I suggest that you go for a ready made thing,with the same amount.

Osama bin Laden

i tend to think the reason that most matatu dont do well its coz they are not run proffesionally like other biz,take for instance the buses companies that ply the western route they make alot of money per day especially on festive season and weekends but coz of mismanagement after some years they are no where to be found



kigee