I assume you mean ,Nrb-Thika rd (machester) ..? How about Lopha -rt 11 ? What route do you suggest I can hack comfortably with minimal returns of 3k per day? Thanks.

Hi Wazuans,
I salute you all and appreciate lots of the knowledge and life hacks you have shared.

Thanks again, and I hope to do the same in due course.

Quick Disclaimer; (apologies for a long post-wanted to be on point.)

Note;
1) I have read all threads on matatu bizness and have gained lots of wisdom on the same, hence consider me “educated” from past posts.

2) I have also realized matatu bizness is not for the faint hearted you have to get yourself dirty and be able to have hands on approach for its success.

3) I have a fair understanding of various matatu options available for an investor;

--14 seater (shuttle/long distance & town plying) –MY INTEREST- town service
--33/51 seater bus CFG/Dodi/Banbros etc
--Citi Hoppa/KBS etc leased.

My Question/My Interest; Interested running a 14 sitter Matatu Bizness in a town route (of a well managed sacco) ,alone as I don’t intend to do partnership as of now + other reasons i.e…quick decision making.

I wish to enter the matatu bizness starting from the bottom pyramid due to cash constraints. I have a budget of ksh 400,000 cash. I can squeeze another 300k through a sacco loan, readily available, hence total available and willing to spend 600K-700k at most.

What are the best options to acquire a 2nd hand Matatu reg’ (KAX-KBD) ,a Manual & Diesel run out of these below, in relations to low risk and consistent returns, easy to maintain etc.

1) Buy an X tour- Nissan caravan van(not 4wd); preferably (a good tested model); cost price; 650K onwards and convert to a matatu ,after registrations etc total comes to approx’ ksh 850k onwards.

My take; very costly above my budget, but am told they perform well reliably over 4yrs with usual repairs & maintenance.

My query; Any ideas where I get one at a good price and are my costing above fair? Any other counsel appreciated.


2) Buy an old matatu Toyota/Nissan (a good tested model) but still in service and do an overhaul; cost price ;300k onwards,do engine and gear box (overhaul/change) ,change seats, do the paint job and change key other parts. Overhauling & repairs costs ; 250K total costs 550-600K.

My take; No idea whether it can serve me reliably and the costs not sure and risks of overhauling /changing engine or gearbox.

My query; Do you know routes/yards/auction companies where one can get a good deal and what ‘s your take on my maths. Can you advise one to go for this option?

3) Buy a clean long distance matatu shuttle (a good tested model) in service and good condition.
Cost price ; 950k onwards .

My take; Reliable and will serve me a few years before the usual challenges of old models. The problem is my budget is 700k tops and can’t afford to stretch myself further as of now.

My query; Do you know people who can offer the same at a cheaper costs/down payment with low interests especially those owned by a Sacco and pay them in six months etc.

Bottomline;
I will appreciate any suggestions from those who had to start from scratch and how they hacked their way up the matatu pyramid. I would really appreciate any relevant information as per above.

Feel free to share any own experience is really welcomed.

Thanks a ton in advance!

As a newbie in this industry it's like a drunk fish! Everyone takes advantage!

Until @Rankaz13 posted above, I was headed to the slaughterhouse!

For the 400k I was getting 1-KZ engine for, now I'm getting a 1-KD at that same price! Incl manual gear box plus electricals and labor!

Follow Up...Kindly need your input guys as per above post.

Where is

@Thitifini
@Matatuman
@Subaruman
@Junior121121

and the rest Matatu investors...help out!

Thanks.

@ junior could you be knowing the best price as i passed by some time back and the price i was given sounded too rigid