The Nairobi matatu industry is a crucial part of the city’s transportation system, catering to the needs of millions of commuters daily.
However, behind the scenes of this bustling industry lies a network of people who control the sector through Saccos.
These bosses have become a force to reckon with, commanding the industry’s operations, from fare hikes to route allocations.
In this article, WoK looks at the men and women at the helm of top Saccos in Nairobi.
Nelson Mwangi
Nelson Mwangi has been the chairman of Super Metro since its inception in 2013.
In a past interview, he mentioned that the idea behind the sacco was to change how the transport industry had been perceived over the years.
Mwangi and his team first came up with rules and regulations for their employees especially drivers and conductors.
They then came with a panel of interviewers that oversaw the enrollment process.
Kennedy Odhiambo
Kennedy Odhiambo is the chairman of River of God (ROG) matatu Sacco.
The matatus which ply the Nairobi CBD – Buruburu route is known for its unique choice of music and graffiti.
As the chairman, Odhiambo ensures that his employees, particularly the drivers and conductors, follow the laid down laws.
In fact, in a past interview, he attributed the success of the Sacco to its to the enactment of laws that govern their employees.
Anne Nyawira
Anne Nyawira is the CEO of 2NK, one of the largest matatu Saccos in Kenya.
What started as a Sacco with 30 members now has over 800 matatus and an asset base exceeding Ksh 240 million.
The Sacco is structured such that drivers don’t handle cash and they don’t have conductors accompanying them for their trips.
The drivers pick a note with details of the trip and passengers which they then deliver to their next destination.
Drivers and owners are paid at the end of the month just like formal employment.
Patrick Njiru
Patrick Njiru can be described as the king of transport and construction.
While he runs a successful construction company under Neo Kingstone Hardware and suppliers Limited company, he has also commanded the matatu industry.
He is the owner of Neo Kenya Mpya buses which he established in 2002.
Njiru owns 500 shares in the company while his wife owns 300 shares and their two children 100 shares each.
Saleh Ahmad
Saleh Ahmad is the co-founder of TelAviv Travellers, now called Arbab Ventures Limited which plies Nairobi’s South-C route.
In a past interview, he explained that in order to run a successful Sacco you must have the right vehicle, good staff and appropriate licenses and insurances.
He also mentioned that Saccos must consider proper branding, modifications and fabricating as well as having the desired routes sorted.
Mary Mwangi
Mary Mwangi is the owner of Double M busses which have been in the matatu business since 1986.
Mary who worked as a clerk at the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) quit her job to concentrate on the business.
She established the business alongside her husband, John Mwangi who unfortunately passed away in 2011.
This development forced Mary to take solely take over the Sacco plying the Bururu, Donholm routes.
Peter Kiige
Peter Njau Kiige is the man at the helm of Forward Travellers (FT) plying the Jogoo road, Juja road, Malaa, Kangundo and Kayole routes.
He has been at the helm of the Sacco for years and he has been part of the team overseeing the gradual growth of the company.
