The British High Commission in Kenya partnered with Kenyan grafitti artist Brian Wanyama alias Matwana to make a striking statement about Kenya's matatu culture ahead of King Charles III's visit.
Matwana and the Commission creatively adorned the entire royal matatu fleet with grafitti as a tribute to Kenya's iconic mode of transportation.
Once the project received the green light from the Commission, he and his team of twelve dedicated individuals worked diligently for a week to complete the entire fleet.
“The idea part was a bit challenging cause, you know, the royal family has a rich history, so I also had to do my research,” Matwana stated.
The refurbished vans feature a vibrant combination of British and Kenyan colours, displaying an artistic fusion of Kenya's Big Five and Britain's iconic Big Ben, symbolising the enduring relationship between the two nations.
British diplomats and officials who will grace the tour are expected to travel in these matatus as part of the king's entourage.
According to Matwana, the refurbishment has drawn a lot of attention and put his name on the national map. A section of Kenyans has also shown a keen interest in his artistic work since 2016.
“I have been so busy my phone has been ringing, it has been so crazy and it shows that there is a lot of potential,” Matwana told Citizen TV's Victoria Rubadiri.
He also hoped that his work not only amplifies the importance of matatu culture to Kenyans but also how Kenyan youth hustle to make ends meet.
“It a real big pleasure and honour it shows how the creative art industry in Kenya is growing and it also shows the opportunities that are there for us as the youth,” Matwana commented.
King Charles III is set to visit Kenya as from Tuesday, 31st October to Friday, 3rd November 2023, as part of the Crown's efforts to strengthen ties with Commonwealth nations worldwide.
This marks King Charles' fifth visit to the country and his first since he was crowned the King of England. His last visit to Kenya came in 1987, with the previous in 1977 and 1978.
He first visited Kenya in 1952, at the age of three with his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
