The matatu business might seem appealing with the idea of earning thousands daily, but in reality, it’s a tough industry to navigate.
This business isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if done right, it can open doors to a lucrative trade. It’s not uncommon to see once-promising PSVs gathering dust in garages, abandoned by owners who couldn’t handle the challenges.
Travelers familiar with the Kitale-Eldoret-Nakuru route know the strong presence of the Kangaroo shuttle. It was founded by Daniel Muri, who launched it in 2010 with a meticulously crafted plan.
Daniel Muri started Kangaroo Shuttle with a fleet of 7-seater Toyota Townace vans which are known for their streamlined front and elevated rear, giving them a distinct shape that resembles a kangaroo.
He had a clear vision and stayed committed to it. His goal was to dominate the Kitale-Eldoret route and become its undisputed leader. Unlike other matatu operators, he was determined to make his mark and stand out.
In the matatu industry, it’s well known that discipline and order within SACCOs are paramount for success.
On the Kitale-Eldoret route, things were chaotic. Matatus were constantly scrambling for passengers, overloading, and making multiple stopovers, leading to delays. They even switched routes occasionally leaving passengers frustrated and dissatisfied.
Daniel Muri chose a different approach when he introduced his Shuttle. He trained his drivers on disciple and order. In its first years, Kangaroo Shuttle required passengers to book seats at their offices in Kitale, Moi’s Bridge and Eldoret for them to have smooth uninterrupted express journey.
In 2012, as Kenya began importing new Toyota Hiace models, Kangaroo Shuttle transitioned from its 7-seater vans. This rapid expansion led to a rigorous recruitment drive for new office clerks and drivers.
Before hiring drivers, candidates were put through several road tests, closely monitored by a company official. Those who didn’t meet the expectations were swiftly cut from the list.
Such strictness shaped the outlook of the company. It is alleged that Daniel Muri would at times drive on the road just to observe how his employees drove his vehicles.
Meet woman behind 2NK matatu sacco, joining requirements
Drivers and office clerks were also required to maintain etiquette when interacting with passengers.
What used to be a dream for passengers on Kangaroo Shuttle’s routes has now become a reality, thanks to their loyal fan base. This strong support has propelled the company to new heights, making Kangaroo Shuttle a priority for many travellers.
For example, 14-seaters only carry 11 passengers giving customers the comfort they desire. Vehicles are equipped with alarm buttons which allow commuters to alert the driver when they want to alight.
The Shuttle strictly adheres to all laws and regulations regarding functional speed governors. As a result, its vehicles are rarely stopped by police officers seeking to oil their palms.
The company’s exceptional service has established it as a leader on the Kitale-Eldoret-Nakuru highway. Today, the Kangaroo Shuttle has over 100 vehicles in service.
