Lenny, popularly known as Ben 10, is the skilled matatu driver behind the famous Kenya One (Nganya). He went viral a while ago after a video showcasing his unmatched steering skills circulated online, earning admiration from many.
On a relatively quiet day on the road, a journalist came across Kenya One and found Ben 10, who was more than happy to share his experience behind the wheel.
Asked how it feels to drive such a high-end matatu, Ben 10 expressed both excitement and responsibility.
“It feels great, but driving a machine like this is not easy. You have to grow gradually to reach this level.”
He explained that he started his career driving older, less flashy matatus, commonly referred to as “Punda.”
“Punda helps drivers gain experience. After making many mistakes, you eventually master the skill of driving without errors.”
Ben 10 stated that no one gets to drive a top-tier matatu like Kenya One on their first day.
He pointed out that inexperienced drivers could easily cause accidents, and since maintenance is key to attracting passengers, only skilled drivers get the opportunity.
A Day in the Life of Ben 10
Ben starts his day as early as 5 a.m., ensuring passengers reach their destinations on time. By 10 p.m., he parks the bus at a designated petrol station for the night.
The matatu consumes between Ksh15,000 – Ksh16,000 in fuel per day, but for Ben 10, the real joy comes from providing a smooth ride.
“I’m happy when my passengers are on time, with no complaints about a bumpy ride or delays. I know I’ve done a good job when a passenger steps out, looks at the front, and checks who was responsible for the great ride.”
To navigate Nairobi’s unpredictable traffic, Ben 10 relies on Google Maps, which helps him choose the best routes.
How Profitable Is the Business?
The matatu business generates an average weekly profit of Ksh14,000, but during slow weekends, the earnings drop to around Ksh12,000.
However, matatus like Kenya One don’t just rely on daily passenger fares—many are booked for road trips, weddings, and even display events.
“This bus is fully booked for the next six months. Every weekend, it’s at an event, and we charge based on the distance covered.”
A Multi-Million Investment
The cost of purchasing a high-end matatu like Kenya One can go up to Ksh12 million, but with consistent business, investors can recover their money within eight months.
Interestingly, some high-spenders are willing to book the entire bus just for the experience, preferring it over an Uber for a night out.
“Some clients would rather pay for all the seats than order a ride—they just want to experience the thrill of riding in a famous matatu.”
Clearly, Kenya One is more than just a means of transport; it’s a statement of class, culture, and adventure on Nairobi’s roads.
by KELVIN NJENGA
