Why Nairobi’s buses look more like art galleries: Video
In Kenya’s capital, brightly painted minibuses blasting music through the streets are doing more than moving passengers; they are carrying the pulse of Nairobi’s youth culture.
Known locally as matatus or nganyas, the privately operated buses are a central feature of urban transport, but they have also become mobile artworks.
Footage from Nairobi shows graffiti artists painting detailed portraits of global music and pop culture icons, including Barbadian singer Rihanna and reggae legend Bob Marley, across the sides of the vehicles. Others draw inspiration from films and gaming culture, with buses themed around The Matrix or branded with names such as “NeoOne” and “MoneyFest”.
Inside, the experience goes well beyond a typical commute. Large digital screens, neon lighting and high-powered sound systems turn the buses into what many passengers describe as moving nightclubs, pulsing with music as they navigate the city’s busy roads.
Commuter Dennis Machwani said matatus stand out for their speed, energy and cultural significance. “They are fast. They are entertaining, and they represent our Kenyan culture,” he said.
For graffiti artists, the matatu scene is also an economic lifeline. One artist said painting the buses helps cover school fees and rent, while also benefiting vehicle owners by attracting more passengers. The more striking the artwork, the more popular the bus tends to be.
Regular riders say the designs capture the realities and aspirations of Nairobi’s youth. Matatu enthusiast Praise Mwangi said the graffiti reflects lived experiences. “It explains who we are as youth. What we go through is kept as graffiti,” he said.
Matatus remain the backbone of public transport in Kenya’s major cities, carrying millions of commuters each day.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
