If you live in Nairobi, chances are you’ve taken a matatu at least once. They’re noisy, colorful, and sometimes chaotic but they move millions of people every day. Matatus are the backbone of Nairobi’s public transport system, connecting estates and suburbs to the city centre. Therefore, matatu fare in Nairobi is a must to know.
But how much do matatus charge across different routes in Nairobi today? The answer: It depends. Fares can change at any moment due to traffic, weather, time of day, or even fuel prices.
Here’s a breakdown of the current matatu fare in Nairobi across popular routes and what you should know as a commuter.
Common Matatu Fare in Nairobi and Routes (2025)
1. CBD to Umoja / Donholm (Jogoo Road)
- Off-Peak Fare: Ksh 50
- Rush Hour Fare: Ksh 80 – Ksh 100
Jogoo Road is one of the busiest roads in Nairobi. Fares here shoot up between 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM and again from 5:00 PM onwards. Rain or evening traffic will almost always push the price higher.
2. CBD to Rongai (Lang’ata Road)
- Off-Peak Fare: Ksh 70
- Rush Hour Fare: Ksh 100 – Ksh 150
Rongai matatus are popular for their loud music, custom designs, and occasional free Wi-Fi. But traffic on Lang’ata Road can be brutal, especially in the evening.
3. CBD to Thika (Thika Superhighway)
- Off-Peak Fare: Ksh 100
- Rush Hour Fare: Ksh 150 – Ksh 200
A long-distance ride that often faces morning jams around GSU and Survey. Thika Road fares are also sensitive to fuel hikes.
4. CBD to Githurai 45
- Off-Peak Fare: Ksh 50
- Rush Hour Fare: Ksh 80 – Ksh 120
Githurai is one of the most crowded routes. Matatus leave quickly, and prices climb fast during peak hours. If it rains, fares can double.
5. CBD to Westlands
- Off-Peak Fare: Ksh 30 – Ksh 50
- Rush Hour Fare: Ksh 70 – Ksh 100
It’s a short ride, but heavy traffic on Waiyaki Way and roadworks often raise fares. Early mornings and rainy evenings are the worst times to travel.
6. CBD to Eastleigh
- Off-Peak Fare: Ksh 40
- Rush Hour Fare: Ksh 60 – Ksh 80
This is a busy commercial route. Fares spike during mid-morning (market hours) and late evenings when shoppers head home.
Why Matatu Fare in Nairobi Keep Changing
Matatu fares in Nairobi don’t follow a fixed schedule. Instead, they’re influenced by:
- Time of Day: Morning and evening peak hours mean higher demand = higher fare.
- Traffic Conditions: The longer the jam, the more you’ll pay.
- Fuel Prices: Matatu owners often adjust fares when fuel prices go up.
- Rain or Bad Weather: Even light rain can cause price surges, especially in the evening.
- Demand vs Supply: On weekends or public holidays, matatu shortage leads to inflated prices.
Useful Tips for Nairobi Commuters
- Leave Early: The earlier you start your journey, the cheaper the fare especially before 6:30 AM.
- Check Fare Apps: Use apps like Ma3Route or Moovit to see live fare updates.
- Carry Loose Change: Conductors rarely have change and might round up your fare.
- Ask Before Boarding: Always confirm the fare with the conductor before getting in. Prices can change in seconds.
Final Word
Matatu fare in Nairobi is part of everyday life. Whether you’re going to work in Westlands, school in Rongai, or shopping in Eastleigh, fares will vary sometimes wildly. Understanding the patterns helps you plan better, save money, and avoid surprises on the road.
Keep checking live updates, leave early when possible, and always have that extra Ksh 20 just in case.
