The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
2015 has been busy year with the capital hosting some of the world icons, in the matatu industry their names have even featured as stamp of their authority.
The competitive industry witnessed City saccos compete to unveil some of the hottest mathrees not only to win passengers but emerge winners in various motor show competitions. The Nairobian now presents you top ten mathrees of the year.
1. Catalyst – Oromats
This is the first mathree in the city to be installed with 40 screens including two on the floor.
Catalyst which started operating on December 5 under Oromats Sacco, has rotating floor projector and for sports lovers, EPL is just click away.
Fitted with AME rims meant for Mercedes Benz only, and an imitation of Prado rims for its rear wheels, this stretched the limits to become the first mathree with all these features.
2. Ruthless – Marvelous
When it first made a grand entry on Nairobi streets, Ruthless became an instant hit. Its screaming purple colour and eye-catching graffiti stood out and of course, everyone wanted to 'ride it.'
The mathree, which operates under Marvelous Shuttle, is acclaimed for its out-of-this-world interior décor.
3. Grizzly – Oromats
This mathree is named after North American subspecies of the brown bear that's known for its strength.
With a touch of bold yellow and black, Grizzly is ruling the Rongai route.
Grizzly was first mathree to be fitted with large LED screen at the rear as marketing strategy, to win passengers the owner invested in quality music and cosy seats.
4. Iggy – Sonny Classic
The Nairobi-Kiambu route (number 100) is an attractive explosion of baby pink, that shines both on the outside and its interior.
Iggy, operating under Sonny Classic Sacco, has five woofers, nine screens and 15 mid-range speakers to support both audio and video.
Other features include a sunroof and several CCTV and video monitors.
5. Empire – City Tram
Empire, operated for less than a month under Ongata line transporters sacco before shifting base to Umoja under City Tram.
its cool choice of colour, graffiti and external finishing visible both day and night has won many hearts.
With huge 52 inch LED screen in front and other six support screens, one feels lost just like in action packed scenes that is Empire Series.
6. Pinkeye – Luminous
The 33-seater minibus is a gem. It has a VIP section where you can enjoy quiet moments and read a book though it charges Sh50 extra to book the area.
'Pinkeye,' which is only a few months on the road, is so popular and a showstopper on the roads. The VIP section has four comfortable seats and spacious table for holding drinks or reading materials.
7. Edge - Karuri
Stiff competition reportedly pushed Karuri to introduce this nganya — to stamp their authority between city centre and Mlolongo.
A look at this new ride is enough proof that karuri are serious. One can tell that the buses will go the whole mile just to woo and retain that youthful Nairobian customer.
Just like city nganyas, Edge, with bold blue and white shades has four woofers, fourteen mid-range speakers and a large screen. The music is played throughout the day.
8. Clench – Astrabel
If you have an eye for fashion, then, you must have noticed denim is the latest vogue in Nairobi.
Operating under the Astrabell Sacco, the mathree named after trendy faded jeans common among city youth, is far-famed.
Spotting cream colour, which symbolises quietness, pleasantness, calm, elegance and softness, the sexy nganya, has won the hearts of Ngong residents.
Clench serves all kind of latest hip-hop videos, has a 42-inch LED TV four woofers, 16-mid range speakers and CCTV cameras.
9. Furious – City Tram
The colour purple is often associated with royalty, nobility, luxury and power. It also represents wealth, extravagance, pride and mystery.
Well, this is what the new ride in town, Furious, is all about.
Plying the Ruai route, Furious is the latest fascination. The owners told Ma3 Culture that the name has nothing to do with being rowdy or bullies on the road.
The bus boasts of cosy leather seats, four woofers, 16 mid-range speakers and a large screen to keep passengers entertained.
10. Mzee Mnyama – Akila transporters
Back in the 90s and early 2000, South C's mathrees were the hottest thing in town. Every Nairobian who considered himself 'posh' enough wanted to be associated with the nganyas.
So popular were the mathrees that local musicians composed special hits for them.
But, as Ma3 Culture found out, South C is crawling back from the closet with what may well again be the 'most sexy thing in town'.
Mzee Mnyama aka Nguruwe under Akila Transporters Limited is rolling on the streets with lots of elegance, sophistication and of course, refinement.
Mzee Mnyama boasts of cosy seats, 42-inch LED screen and two woofers.
