Nairobi Matatu With KSh 180k Lexus LX570 Grille To Hits Streets

• The Nairobi public transport industry is highly competitive, with investors splurging money on matatus
• The extra investment often translates into better returns, as the bespoke vehicles charge higher fares
• A matatu christened El Subrosa is undergoing costly refurbishment after two years on the road

Investors in the public transport industry in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, are going all out to outdo each other and souped-up passenger service vehicles are a hit among young people.

Is El Subrosa Nairobi's hottest matatu?

The investor of a matatu undergoing riko (refurbishment) has spared no costs in making it stand out from the rest.

A photo shared online depicted the purple matatu at the garage undergoing upgrades.

The vehicle, christened El Subrosa, first hit Nairobi streets two years ago and operated along the CBD-Embakasi route.

After two years on the road, the owner took it back to the garage for a much-needed makeover.

The online images showed the purple PSV with eye-catching graffiti and bespoke offcut rims. The driver's cabin featured two 32-inch TVs to entertain front-seat passengers.

However, the showstopper was at the front.

El Subrosa featured the front grille of a Lexus LX570.

According to listings on Alibaba, the grille costs around KSh 180,000 minus the shipping fee and taxes.

Numerous impressed Kenyans said it should be voted among the best-revamped matatus 2023.

oulton.

"Subrosa easily wins riko of the year. Who will oppose?"

red_eye_vuvu:

“It is worth the wait.”

kennah_819:

“The queen is back.”

Is Embakasi's Neo most expensive matatu?

In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that a new Embakasi matatu made a splash after hitting the road.

Christened Neo, it was inspired by Keanu Reeves's character in the Matrix movie.

The matatu's front grille is from a Nissan Navara vehicle, but the most outstanding features are the side mirrors.

The owner splurged over KSh 80,000 for the side mirrors from a Mercedes Actros truck.

The predominantly black and green themes were carried over into the interior. The back of each seat features a TV screen, and a couple are mounted on the sides.

A huge TCV, presumably an 84-inch, is mounted right behind the driver’s cabin, bringing the total to over 10.