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| George Ruto’s Money Fest matatu is in high demand. |
Money Fest, a matatu owned by President William Ruto’s son George, has made headlines for numerous reasons. George Ruto’s Money Fest matatu is in high demand. How much does Money Fest make daily? The attention-grabbing Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operating along the Ngong route is in contention for being voted Kenya’s best matatu. The PSV is in high demand, translating into good returns for George. Racquel Wachira runs Heels and Wheels Africa, which organises matatu road trips and offers modelling services to the industry for PSV launches and other services. Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Racquel said that passengers highly seek Money Fest. “It is one of the best matatus in Nairobi, and passengers often call the driver to book seats before even arriving at the stage. Sometimes, it is full before getting to the stage. This means it barely spends time at the stage calling for passengers, which translates into making more trips and money daily.” According to Racquel, the PSV makes a minimum of KSh 8,000 daily. “That is the least amount Money Fest makes, but it could be higher,” she said. She further noted that matatus earn more money when privately booked. The entrepreneur also weighed in on Money Fest’s drama, saying it reminded her of Kenya’s most controversial matatu, Catalyst. According to Racquel, Catalyst was owned by a prominent person and had many run-ins with the law. “However, the police would release the matatu the same day they arrested its crew. Catalyst won several awards, but it was marred by controversy. It ran over and killed a young man along City Hall Way, shortly before being crowned Kenya’s best matatu.” She disclosed that some of Nairobi’s best matatus are owned by politicians or Kenyans based abroad, and some are seemingly above the law. “Money Fest’s slogan says it all: power, money, respect.” Racquel said that aside from Money Fest, Embakasi’s Matrix and Umoja’s Opposite are contending for the title of Kenya One, a phrase referring to Nairobi’s hottest matatu. “Opposite is currently in riko (refurbishment), and competition will only get stiffer when it comes out.”
by William Osoro