A matatu driver steers a vehicle on the route from Nairobi downtown to Ngong town in Kenya, on July 18, 2025.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

This photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows the passengers on a "matatu" in Nairobi, Kenya.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

A matatu conductor jumps on the vehicle after departure in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 18, 2025.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

A "matatu" waits for passengers in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 18, 2025.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

People cheer around a "matatu" as it plays music in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 18, 2025.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

A matatu conductor calls out for passengers in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 18, 2025.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

A conductor collects fares on a "matatu" in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 18, 2025.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

This photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows the passengers on a "matatu" in Nairobi, Kenya.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Passengers wait inside a "matatu" before departure in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 18, 2025.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

A "matatu" waits for passengers in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 18, 2025.

Popularly known as "matatus," the privately owned minibuses are the main means of public transport plying various routes in this East Africa country.

Matatus are famous for their bold graffiti, vibrant music, and artistic designs. The energetic vibe they bring reflects the urban culture and hustle of the city.

The word "matatu" is a Swahili word meaning "three" which originated from the three pennies passengers used to pay when the industry began in the 1970s. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)