A video of a matatu being customized has elicited mixed reactions on the safety of passengers and whether it will be licensed to operate on the roads.
The matatu in question ignited a debate on Thursday, March 10, after it emerged that it had two steering wheels in the driver's compartment.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, an official from the Matatu Owners Association Sacco, Branden Marshall, explained why the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) was being customized with two steering wheels.
He clarified that the second steering wheel was for ostentatious display and will not be used in any way to navigate the bus.
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The modification will also not affect the number of passengers who sit in the front compartment.
"Mechanics and modifiers working on the vehicle ensured that it has complied with all safety protocols required by authorities," Branden detailed.
He as well as explained that the new model is fitted with seat belts for both passengers and the driver and the occupant-restraint system which has an airbag for safety purposes.
"The whole dashboard has been customized to fit this wheel just like the driving school cars. It's a really cool design to promote the matatu culture," he added.
Branden revealed that the matatu will be called Night Nurse Season 2 and is a new version of another PSV which is under the Umoinner Sacco.
The matatu will be officially launched in April 2022.
Kenyan matatus have been known to pull all the stops when it comes to the customization of PSVs. They represent the edgy culture and artistic side of the youth in the country.
Modified matatus are known to attract global attention for their uniqueness.
Last year, American Hip Hop superstar Cardi B was gushed over a matatu graffiti that displayed her face. The rapper took to social media to laud the artwork done on various mini buses bearing her image.
Actor Robert Knepper popularly known as Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell in the popular series Prison Break also hailed a matatu named after him.
Grammy award-winning American singer Chris Brown, moreover, appreciated an artwork displayed on a Kenyan matatu.
American singer Trey Songz, during his 2016 tour of Kenya, took a ride in the highly acclaimed Catalyst matatu which plies the Ongata Rongai route.
Matatus dominate the public transport system of Kenya’s capital Nairobi as well as other towns in the country. Reports indicate that almost 85% of Nairobi’s population rely on public transportation.
