Newcomers to the bustling city of Nairobi are often told to memorize key landmarks to help them navigate the city’s busy streets. One such landmark is the OTC area on Ronald Ngala Street in the CBD, a lively hub of commerce marked by bus stations with vehicles connecting various parts of the Nairobi metropolis.
OTC has been a historical landmark for decades, but as life moves forward, its history gradually fades, leaving newer generations unaware of the full meaning behind the OTC abbreviation, the story of its name, and the origins of the street’s infamous title.
A widely shared anecdote often resurfaces, with many believing that OTC stands for the phrase Onyango Twende Choo, which loosely translates to Onyango, let’s go to the toilet. Others suggest it stands for Onyango Twende Coast, implying the same request, but with the destination changing to the Coast.
What many don’t realize is that OTC actually stands for Overseas Trading Company—a London-based firm that imported 13 buses to Kenya in 1934.
In the 1930s, while Kenya was still under colonial rule, public transport was a relatively new idea. Recognizing this opportunity, the UK-based company introduced 12 buses to operate on different routes across the country, even transporting passengers to distant locations like Kampala, Uganda.
Although trains were the preferred choice for long-distance travel at the time, the introduction of buses captivated many Kenyans. Those curious to experience this new mode of transport eagerly seized the opportunity, boarding the long white buses to reach their desired destinations.
Over time, OTC buses gained widespread popularity and became a well-known name throughout the East African Community (EAC) region. The company also broadened its services to include courier deliveries, transporting goods to areas outside the city.
After establishing its presence in Kenya, the London-based company set up a stage on Duke Street, which was later renamed Ronald Ngala Street. This location rapidly gained popularity, and travelers began associating it with the OTC brand, eventually becoming widely known as the OTC Bus Stage.
As OTC continued to grow, other investors were drawn to the expanding transport sector, leading to the establishment of additional companies like the Tom Mboya Bus Company, founded by former Labour Minister Tom Mboya.
OTC buses later teamed up with the Kenya Bus Service (KBS) to offer a broader selection of travel routes. KBS became well-regarded among Kenyans, managing a fleet of 300 buses. However, by the 1990s, the company struggled and eventually sold its fleet to other entities.
Though the OTC Company ceased operations, its legacy endured, with the stage still retaining the OTC name to this day.
The area has transformed over the years with various developments, including the Wholesale Mall. During its decade-long period of incomplete construction and green netting, the mall became a landmark and a notable reference point for newcomers in the city.
It stands on the site where the iconic Jack and Jill Supermarket once stood before it was demolished.
