‘An act of survival’: Kenyans react to video of man clinging to Nairobi bus
Kenyans online have reacted with sympathy and unease after a video showed a man clinging to the back of a Super Metro bus as it travelled towards Nairobi’s central business district, with many viewing the act as a sign of desperation rather than recklessness.
The footage, shared on social media and filmed by a motorist following the distinctive orange bus, shows the man gripping a metal rail at the rear while the vehicle is in motion. His steady hold and composed posture struck many viewers.
Much of the online discussion focused less on how the man evaded traffic police and more on why he felt compelled to take such a risk.
“It’s an act of survival,” wrote Kobia Muki, a sentiment echoed repeatedly across social media platforms.
Others criticised what they saw as a lack of collective care.
“No one gave him a ride when the bus stopped or paid his fare, that’s the problem with us,” said Carol CM, shifting the focus from the individual to society at large.
Several commenters connected the incident to wider economic pressure. “Survival tactics in a harsh economy,” Bobby Issa wrote, while Francis Odiango added: “Honestly Kenyans are undergoing hell…not because of one person but the system, bad policies and hired parliament.”
Economic woes
The reactions came against a backdrop of deepening economic strain.
Kenya’s economic growth slowed to 4.0% in the third quarter of 2024, down from 6.0% a year earlier, after underperformance across most sectors, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
Construction activity contracted by 2.0%, while mining and quarrying shrank by 11.1%, adding pressure to already fragile job prospects.
Although growth in agriculture, transport, financial services, real estate, trade and hospitality helped cushion the slowdown, many households continue to feel the strain. Nationwide protests against proposed tax increases at the end of the second quarter disrupted major towns and turned violent in some areas, underscoring widespread public frustration.
For many online, the image of a man hanging onto a bus was not shocking so much as familiar — a stark snapshot of how far some are pushed simply to earn a living.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
