Adalla Allan

| If you’ve spent any time in Nairobi, you know a matatu isn’t just a way to get around. It’s a full experience. For years, Kenya’s matatus have defined what it means to mix transport with music, fashion, art, and youth energy. With the arrival of Mood —the latest nganya in town— the matatu culture is catching new fire, and it’s coming from an unexpected direction. Owned by President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto, Mood has been the talk of the streets in the last few days.

| In Kenya, where buses do more than just ferry passengers — they drive commerce, tourism, school runs, and national pride — not all are built equal. And in the world of premium coaches, three names dominate the tarmac and trust of long-haul operators: Scania, MAN, and Mercedes-Benz. These aren’t your average matatus or 33-seater Sacco shuttles. These are the giants. The tour kings. The executive rides that make passengers say, “Hii ni gari safi.” These buses are designed to impress — and endure.

| When I slid into the driver’s seat of a Nissan Leaf, I wasn’t expecting it to mess with my instincts. No ignition roar. No trembling gearstick. Just silence, and a glowing dash that looked more spaceship than saloon. If a car could whisper, this one did. Pulling onto Waiyaki Way, I braced for the usual chaos. But the Leaf moved with an odd calm. Smooth. Immediate. Like it knew something I didn’t.