On The Matatu

by Unathi Nopece (South Africa)

A leap into the unknown Kenya

I had missed our shuttle to the conference. I chose to ignore my morning wake up call to try get more sleep. We had had dinner and drinks next door at Roasters Inn. So I slept late. I woke up about an hour later to the sight of the white mosquito net around my bed. A reminder that I was in a different country. I looked at the clock on the bedside table and realised my error. In a panic, I got up and got myself ready. I needed to attend the first day of the African Urban Youth Languages Conference at Kenyatta University. I had to find a way to do so. I grabbed my handbag and made my way down to reception. "Good morning." "Morning." "Um, I missed the shuttle to KU. Er, where can I…where are the matatus and which one should I take?" The receptionist gave me a strange look. I understood it as: Oh, I wouldn’t do that if I were you. But I was going to. I didn’t have enough money for a cab. “Ok. You go out the hotel…Do you know where the mall is?” I thought for a bit before responding. “Yes.” "Ok. So you go to the mall. And when you’re there, look for the 45 sign.” “Oh ok…Thanks.” I had no idea what that meant, but I hoped it would make sense. Besides, I’m South African. I’ve used minibus taxis plenty of times. It shouldn’t be that hard. I didn’t ask how much it would cost. I was just focused on getting to KU. I made my way out the hotel and onto the dusty road. I followed the road and turned left towards the mall. It was unusually quiet, until I got close to the mall and saw the matatus lined up. Now, these are not the famous, colourful, pimped-out matatus with free Wi-Fi. They were plain. Mostly white, with the occasional red or blue one. They reminded me of home. And that’s the thing about Nairobi. It reminded me so much of home. Everything felt familiar and foreign at the same time. I started to get anxious. I didn’t speak Kiswahili. What if I got lost and couldn’t find my way back? I tried to block out the hooting and loud music so I could focus on finding the 45 sign. I saw a guy holding a 40/45 sign. Was that the right one? I said a quick prayer and walked towards the makanga. “KU?” I asked. He nodded and pointed to a red matatu with an open door. I got in and sat down in the second last row. I watched as people filled the seats. Fortunately, I had already experienced the nightmare that is traffic in Nairobi. So I was mentally prepared. Google Maps says it’s a 14-minute drive from Garden City Mall to Kenyatta University. It felt a LOT longer. Especially with the numerous stops along the way. The makanga asked for my money. I gave him 10 KSh (less than $1). I didn’t get any change. I found out later that I had paid him too much. After a while, my nerves gave way and I relaxed. I took in the landscape. The matatu finally reached the university and stopped. I got out and walked to the entrance. “Can I see your identification?” I stopped and looked up. It was the security guard. “Um, I’m not a student.” “Can I see any identification you have?” “Ok”. I looked for my passport and showed it to him. “Oh, you’re South African.” “Yes.” “What brings you here?” “I’m attending a conference.” “Do you know how to get there?” “Yes, I think so.” “Ok. Enjoy your day.” “Thanks. You too.” He hands me my passport and I put it back in my bag. I walked through the gate smiling. (matatu = minibus taxi) (makanga = tout/taxi conductor)