How to start a matatu business in Kenya

1. Buy a vehicle

2. Ensure you buy a matatu that is strong and durable with a strong engine. Considering your budget, you may decide to buy matatus of various passenger capacities. If you cannot afford a new vehicle, consider buying a used one. Second-hand vehicles are much cheaper but may lead to higher maintenance costs. 
3. You can acquire a 14-seater van.

   You can acquire a 14-seater van. A new one would cost around sh.1,700,000. Toyota, Nissan and Isuzu are among the best van brands. 

4. You could buy a 33-seater minibus.

   You could buy a 33-seater minibus. A new 33-seater matatu will cost you roughly about sh.3,000,000. 

5. Get the necessary paperwork

6. Ensure you get all the necessary paperwork and documents when buying a van or bus.
7. Secure licenses and insurance 

   Once you have purchased your van or minibus, you will need to ensure you get the right licenses and comprehensive insurance. Carry out your research to find out the best insurance policies and prices. Take your vehicle to the National Transport and Safety Authority for inspection. They will check whether your vehicle is roadworthy or not. Ensure it has seat belts, fire extinguishers, and a functional speed governor. If you intend to hire your driver, ensure the driver has a valid driving license, a certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and a PSV license. 
   Modify the vehicle. 

8. Modify your matatu

   To attract customers faster, customize, and tweak your vehicle to meet the demands of your route. Flashy matatus with loud music and neon lighting are likely to attract many young passengers. The majority of commuters are young and branding your matatu will do your business a favor. Install quality sound systems to match competition. Some matatus have gone as far as installing screens. Note that older passengers hate excessively loud music. Get comfortable seats too. Uncomfortable seats will affect the customer experience especially if the route is long.  

9. Hire a conductor and driver

   You will need a trustworthy driver and conductor to avoid being extorted. It is highly advisable to join a matatu Some SACCOs collect the fares from passengers before boarding. Saccos is also directly involved in the hiring of drivers and conductors, relieving the matatu owner of such challenges. Most customers on certain routes prefer certain SACCOs too. You can also install a GPS tracker to monitor the matatu’s location.