“FERGIE”; RONGAI’S FIRST-CLASS MATATU

#MATATUART&CULTURE

The iconic former Manchester United manager may have retired but in Nairobi- he is idolized on a matatu plying route 125 Onga’ta Rongai- “Fergie” a sit is known.

Nairobi is celebrated as home to one of the most vibrant matatu cultures in the world. But exit that and enter ‘Fergie’; whose owner has kicked in with a big bang.

Talk about a matatu revolution! Amazing interior; music and an enthralling side is what can be used to describe this “plane”.

First class ride ensures you enjoy free internet comfortably and tablet on the side o make your surfing even more memorable.

The “economy class” will get you the usual enthralling ride and music but you will have to pay for your internet. Although you can still enjoy phone charging privileges.

Just like the plane, each class you choose has its price, with “first class’ being more expensive.

Make a date with one of Nairobi’s moving land planes and I promise you will love this!

By Embukane Vincent Libosso.

THE EAST AFRICA MOTORSHOW RETURNS WITH A BANG!

 

L

ast week on Saturday saw all roads lead to the K.I.C.C courtyard; even as the cold period paved way for a pitch perfect time. This made a clear call that the August holidays are here! The previous Friday was abuzz with activities as the same night fans of Bongo music were treated to a stellar performance by the “Kesho” hit maker-Diamond from Tanzania.(read it here-http://bukhungubukhanga.blogspot.com/2013/08/tanzanias-diamond-thrills-his-kenyan.html)

 

Car enthusiasts attended the 6^th edition of the East Africa Motor Show (E.A.M.S) making its comeback after a 3-year hiatus; the event kicked off in pomp, swag and color.

Backed and courtesy of entertainment/events company True Blaq; Mash Auto and Eyez Modeling Agency; Mitindo Africa and Pulse Magazine; the show displayed some of the sporty; revved-up and rare rides from the 1955 Opel Rekord; American Muscle Ford Mustang; Chevrolets and Fairmonts.  

 

The beehive of activities continued with various tents hosting their services as the emcees of the two day festival; Big Kev and DJ Stretch continuously hyped the show to the delight of the large incoming crowd.

The bright stage was converted into a runway giving a platform for the hot Eyez Models to showcase the trendiest African Threads and dashing designs from Kenyan Ndula; Luccie; Stitch Stylez; among others.

The Mini Cooper Lovers; Subru Motors and Outriders Biker Group; stole everyone’s attention as they showed off their sporty cars and bikes.

That aside; performances by Ukoo Flani; Jeff Myrac; Hip Hop mistress Sugar; Khaligraph Jones and Kristoff gave the crowd more reason to stay till late in the evening.

 

Deejays Liquid and OTB took charge thereafter for the After Party. The culmination of the festival came the following day with many festivities taking Centre stage including racing and sound competitions with KSH 10,000 up for grabs; among other prizes.

The fun continued till later in the evening as curtains came down to a worthwhile festival.

 

-additional info from The Pulse Magazine.

 

MATATU ART & CULTURE: RIDING WITH FREE WI-FI…

Some argue that the 90’s were the best times to ride a matatu. There wasn’t one without graffiti or great loud music. You can fold fingers to count matatus with graffiti today.

But even as Nairobi mourns the demise of its moving art gallery; future generations may never know how it felt to ride in moving art.

But the ‘GOOGLE’ generation of today is bringing another strong argument to the table. Forget about mindless depression caused by traffic- you can now enjoy free Wi-Fi while in a mat (as they call it...) on your way to work or to wherever destination.

Safaricom decided to officially start the project on June 15^th after pilot installation on several of Nairobi’s matatus including those from Lang’ata; Rongai and Githurai routes.

Talk about technology meeting the matatu culture. The project-“Vuma Online” seeks to build internet audience and is set to cost KSH 7M in its initial phase; targeting to reach over 200 matatus by September this year.

So; the next time a tout comes up to you and tells you that his ‘mat’ is Wi-Fi enabled; or you read the stickers that say this matatu is Wi-Fi enabled; it is real- just ask for the password.

-matatu owners can now buy routers for KES 6,000 and internet bundles worth KES 2,000. For more info; visit www.safaricom.co.ke