President William Ruto’s son, George, is making waves in the transport industry, splurging money on Nairobi’s famed matatus. George Ruto’s Mood matatu is a gamechanger. How will George Ruto’s Mood change the matatu industry? The diehard Arsenal supporter already owns two of the country’s hottest matatus, Matrix and Money Fest, but his third could be a game-changer in terms of power management and customer experience. Titled Mood, the vehicle started making headlines while still being fabricated, after it emerged that it would have solar panels—a first in Kenya. Collins Mokaya, an industry insider, shared with TUKO.co.ke what fans should expect from Mood, which is already being fronted for the Kenya One title bestowed on the country’s hottest matatus.
“The solar panel setup is to address problems souped-up matatus face. The TVs, lights, and powerful sound system are energy-intensive. With the solar setup, Mood will be able to meet its energy needs.” It boasts bucket seats, several 65-inch TVs, and is the only matatu with a DJ set. “It is more than just for carrying passengers, as DJs can perform in the vehicle. Partying inside a matatu is the new trend.” It is a 25-seater instead of a 32-seater, leaving space to dance. One aisle in the matatu seats three instead of four people, allowing for space to dance. All the seats are bucket seats. According to Mokaya, Mood will also feature a custom license plate. “There are even glass holders where people can put their drinks.” Footage seen by TUKO.co.ke showed that Mood is almost finished, with only a few finishing touches, including the offset rims, remaining.
According to Mokaya, George spent a pretty penny on the sound system. “If you put the total cost together, it amounts to around KSh 2 million. For instance, the speakers are the Deaf Bonce Apocalypse DB-4518R-4500W, which cost at least $1,400 (KSh 180,000) each.” The back of the vehicle features a distinct tail light design. Kenyans on social media admitted that they are eager to experience the vehicle: matrix_family33: “Who is the first DJ you want to perform in Mood?” matrix_family33: “Apocalypse speakers and bucket seats? You don’t want us to go home.” i.conic_jnr: “Unlocking my savings for this greatness.” d.rama_boy: “You should even include a counter.” jmburu747: “Greatness loading. Are you ready for this?” Peter Kabari: “That’s gonna be 🔥🔥.” Steve Odhiambo: “Lifetime investment. Can’t wait to board it.” How much do matatu owners make per day? Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, George Mburu, who owns a chain of flashy matatus in Nairobi, shared details of how much a matatu like Mood costs.
He shared that George spent more than Ksh 6 million on the matatu, including pimping it. “A new, 25-seater bus body from Kenya Coach Industries (KCI) can cost Ksh 7 million. The sound system alone is KSh 2 milion, add the several TVs, roughly KSh 300k. Paintwork, fabrication, offcut rims, lighting, solar panels easily gobble over KSh 1.3 million. If they get a bespoke license plate, as the driver Lenny hinted, one can cost KSh 1 million. There are other costs like registering the vehicle to a sacco,” he told TUKO.co.ke. The city businessman revealed that matatu owners make profits depending on different factors, including routes and popularity. “For such a matatu, fare will be more than the usual KSh 100. It will be KSh 150 – KSh 200. It is also customised for hiring for parties, DJ sets, etc. When it is new, it can easily make over KSh 18,000, and when hired privately all day long, over KSh 30,000,” he said.
By William Osoro
