That's just a perception. That's what they used to say about used cars imported from Japan....that would not cope with Kenyan roads. Right now all the major roads are very smooth i.e. Mombasa rd, Thika, Langata, Ngong, Westlands etc. So breaking into pieces is not an issue if the Vitz, Probox, premios are still going strong on our roads.

Agreed. Many actually fare on very well. Its just that they maintain that mama mboga look. Its a booming business.

This whole debate on public transport is as old as modern civilization itself. I think a lot of factor determine what approach works for different countries, from culture to infrastructure to legistlation. Cultutre is a strong influence; We all want to drive our cars.Few of us would even consider car pooling even when it makes perfect sense.

I remember the 80's fondly for the Kenya Bus Service that was so reliable. The buses had specific routes and scheduled departure and arrivals times that would be strictly adhered to regardless of whether the bus was full or not. Its sad that the model failed (i don't know why).

I will always remember the scene I witnessed one evening a few years ago at the Ambassadeur and route 58 (Accra rd) bus stops. This was during the days of the KBS Metro Shuttle.


At Accra road, there was a long queue of Matatus running all the way back to River Road. Very few passengers and the matatus were charging Sh20 to Buruburu.

At Ambassadeur, there was a long queue of passengers running all the way round the building - down to Ronald Ngala Street and up Tom Mboya st. They were waiting for the Metro Shuttle which was charging Sh40.

Now what does that tell you?

All it takes is a serious businessperson to focus on passenger safety and comfort ahead of profit and the whole transport system will change.

someone tried the same on lavingtone route.........boses would not be caught dead riding in the bus. The mbochs foud the bus too expe.. And opted for ma3s