Why Maruti's are famous in Naivasha
A matatu stage for Maruti's in Naivasha.
They are small and uncomfortable to ride in, but here in Naivasha they are a favourite with the locals.
The seven-seater matatus, commonly referred to as Maruti's, are used by locals as their preferred mode of transport because of their efficiency.
Florence Wangari recounts her first experience of a Maruti three years ago, when she found herself wedged between two overweight passengers in the uncomfortable heat.
Florence Wangari a resident in Naivasha who uses Maruti for transportation.
Despite gasping for breath and praying that the driver wouldn't take on more passengers, she was glad that the car didn't stop until the first person got out.
Regardless of the discomfort she experienced, Wangari says she still prefers marutis because, unlike other matutus, they don't stop once they leave the station.
She also says that marutis don't have touts who talk rudely to passengers when asking for the bus fare. The fare also remains the same regardless of the weather or season.
Edward Ndung'u echoes Ms Wangari's sentiments, noting that Marutis are more organised and drivers are polite compared to regular PSVs.
Mr Ndung'u adds that it's difficult to lose luggage when using marutis because of their small size, which makes it easy to identify the vehicle used even if something is lost.
Marutis are the main means of transport for people travelling to and from areas such as Mirera, Silver Hills, Kiwanja Ndege and Musaka, charging as little as Sh50 per trip, and their efficiency and organisation make them the preferred mode of transport for Naivasha residents.
A matatu stage for Maruti's in Naivasha.
Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), commonly known as mathrees or matatus, are usually 14-seater vehicles.