Written by Cyrus Omondi Wanjawa

The Nakuru County Government has launched a sports program to bring together stakeholders in the matatu industry. The initiative, led by Governor Susan Kihika, aims to foster cooperation and reduce conflicts among operators.

Speaking during the launch, County Chief Officer for Sports, Francis Njoroge, encouraged matatu operators to embrace sports as a way of building discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

“Sports contribute to developing essential qualities like discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. These attributes are transferable to various aspects of life, especially as stakeholders in the Matatu sector, you need to venture into various sporting activities,” said the CO.

He was addressing operators during a roundtable meeting organised to promote peace and unity in the industry.

“This isn’t just about winning or losing; it’s about building bridges, strengthening bonds, and giving you, the backbone of our transport system, a platform to showcase your incredible talents,” added the CO.

According to the matatu operators, they are only focused on the daily grind of fares and routes, but today they have gained a new perspective on the need to embrace unity.

“For a long time, we’ve only seen each other as competition, as rivals on the road,” said one matatu driver. “But seeing everyone here today, talking about teams and a tournament, it’s like we’re finally on the same side.”

The tournament, which had yet to be officially named, represents not just a sports competition but a new chapter for the matatu community in Nakuru, where shared goals and mutual respect would drive them forward, on and off the road.