@ Subaruman - that is correct. The 8500 is what you get after you pay the driver/makanga/ fuel etc and that's after you have been kulwad a bit. In the few years I have been running the business I have come to learn:
- Agree on a fixed amount as opposed to targeting a higher amount leading to fluctuations. In my case 8500/6500 which is weekday/weekend. Manyanga brings in 10500/8000
- Above amount is net. Driver pays himself and fuels daily (insist on always having the car sleep with a full tank)/Pays sacco fees (300 for direct management and 300 savings which I will mention on my next point) as well as washing the car
- Sacco takes 300 per day per car additionally which you get back at the end of year (Make sure you are getting this as I use to take the car for painting and top up on tyres etc
- First four days pays for city council (5600), insurance (14800) and service ( 5,200 for service on one month and 8100 on second month). I have quoted a bit higher on second month as you get to do things like linings/more greasing and allow for a bit more work
- Cars serviced every 24days on average

- Average earning for the vehicles is between 160-180k (this does not include private hires)

a bit wordy but hope it helps. Good luck to you and mwania - in your venture

How do you normally deal with the crew who seem to be on drugs and are keen to overlap and break all laws? And cops?

@ Subaru - there are two main ways around this - at least that I know of:

- The two main asset banks supporting matatus are NIC and BOA. Equity seems to have really slowed down. NIC tend to be more supportive as they retain the log books and are flexible. The main downside to this is both banks ask for comprehensive insurance which costs an arm and a leg (Honestly this is what leads to a lot of people defaulting as the returns are very low once comprehensive is taken.

- Second way is there is a Kalasinga (sp) guy who is good on lending matatu owners. He is very respected in this field and his rates are same as bank (less the comprehensive cover) Ask around for his details or inbox me.

A third option you could and should consider if you have time is to start looking for auction vehicles at leakeys and compare to new ones. some serious savings to be made here.

Let me know if you need any more info

Matatuman, Thank you.

The de-cat basically gives you a high flow exhaust. Have the catalytic converter removed. Get a Unichip installed and get an eco tune done by one of the pro tuners. Only two in Nairobi. Simon Sharpe of Sharpe services in Karen or the master tuner himself Amit Pandya of AMS chip tuning.

Avoid Sharpe he works with some kalasinga who has a problem with dark skin. Last job he did for me was shoddy and they just don't care. AMS is pricy but they do a good job. Never had a van tuned at AMS, but they once did a Subaru for me.

Plus you might want to replace the oxygen sensor before the tune with a new one not second hand. Pombe si lazima so do not feel obliged.