The matatu industry in Kenya was chaotic until 2009 when the Minister for Transport introduced a rule requiring all PSVs to register within a limited company or Sacco. Today’s matatus are well-known for their unique aftermarket modifications and vibrant paint jobs.

Umoinner Sacco is now one of the most powerful transport groups, with a foothold on the Nairobi CBD – Umoja – Innercore routes. Unknown to many, Umoinner Sacco was founded by three matatu touts: Benjamin Kamau, Christopher Muia, and Dennis Magwambo.

The three friends came from a slum and made around Sh. 400 daily from their touting jobs. They teamed up and saved Sh. 200 each day consistently for 10 years. At first, they started by saving Sh. 10 per member daily.

In 2006, they were able to buy their first matatu, a 14-seater, for Sh. 600,000. Joining the industry wasn’t easy for them. They faced numerous challenges and opposition from competitors who wanted to push them out. Still, they managed to stay afloat.

In 2009, three years after Umoinner’s operations began, they faced a big problem that almost put them out of business. The trouble started when the Ministry of Transport ordered that all matatus had to be registered. To set up a Sacco and get approval, Umoinner needed to operate at least 30 matatus.

Umoinner didn’t meet the requirements and had to wait three more years to get the necessary licenses. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the Sacco. The three friends went from being matatu touts to multi-millionaires, but it wasn’t an overnight success.

Meet woman behind 2NK matatu sacco, joining requirements

Today, Umoinner Sacco is still led by its three founding members. Christopher Muia is the Chairman, Benjamin Kamau is the Vice Chairman, and Denis Magwambo is the CEO.

Today, Ummoiner Sacco runs over 100 buses and its membership has grown. In 2015, they reported monthly profits of more than Sh. 1.5 million, which pushed the company’s value to about Sh. 500 million.

Umoinner Sacco has created job opportunities for many youth who hail from slum areas of Nairobi. Their main fortes include Umoja, Kayole, Buruburu and parts of Eastlands.

Furthermore, Umoinner owns a football team in Umoja christened ‘Ummoiner FC’. This was established to nurture talent in Eastlands slums while also empowering youth in the fight against drug abuse and poverty.