George Ruto's Money Fest, Embakasi's Matrix Face Off In Hottest Matatu Battle

• Matatu lovers are debating which vehicle deserves to be crowned Kenya's hottest matatu
• The frontrunners to the title are George Ruto's Money Fest and Embakasi's Matrix
• However, a source told TUKO.co.ke that an Umoja matatu currently being revamped could also take the crown

The battle is heating up for Kenya One, the title given to the hottest public service vehicle (PSV) in Nairobi.

Which is Kenya's hottest matatu?

Matatus, usually outfitted with offset rims, colourful graffiti, and loud music, transport city residents daily.

Every year, lovers of matatu culture crown one PSV, the best in the city, earning bragging rights.

This year, top contenders are Ongata Rongai's Money Fest and Matrix, which operates along the Embakasi route.

Money Fest made a splash courtesy of its influencing owner, President William Ruto’s son, George.

Money Fest burst into the limelight after the owner was accused of flouting traffic rules and lacking the necessary National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) inspection.

The matatu’s most unique feature is arguably its bespoke front grille.

On the other hand, Matrix has been ruling the streets of Nairobi for a while now, courtesy of its unique black and green colour scheme.

It features a Nissan Navara front grille and KSh KSh 80,000 side mirrors from a Mercedes Actros truck.

The predominantly black and green themes were carried over into the interior. The back of each seat features a TV screen, and a couple are mounted on the sides. A huge TCV, presumably an 84-inch, is mounted right behind the driver’s cabin, bringing the total to over 10.

Racquel Wachira, a matatu industry insider, told TUKO.co.ke there could be a third contender.

“Matrix and Money Fest are the frontrunners, but there is a third matatu- Umoja’s Opposite. It is currently in riko (undergoing renovations) and could throw a spanner into the works,” she said.

Aside from the bespoke features, the Kenya One title is also bestowed based on a matatu’s popularity and the crew members.

How much does Money Fest earn?

The PSV is in high demand, translating into good returns for George.

Racquel said that passengers highly seek Money Fest; some even call the driver to book seats before arriving at the stage.

According to Racquel, the PSV makes a minimum of KSh 8,000 daily.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke