Legendary long-distance buses that we will never forget

if you didn't use these buses pray mungu akusaidie kunyamaza – I've paid for my sins by surviving on these buses on sunny days & cold nights

you were placed at Machakos bus stage (country bus station), Akamba, or OTC bus stage – kama mzigo. day or night – if you die you die ?? pic.twitter.com/MgQLU92m6b

— Shawrie for ICTdaktariLinnie? (@DaktariLinnie) June 26, 2020

Riakanau

This bus operated on the Embu Nairobi route. The final destination was Runyejes town where it spent the night. The following day the journey would start at 6.30 in the morning reaching Samson Corner it would take a detour to Kutus town and there lie-in-state for about two hours to load bananas, sugarcane and all the horticulture of Kirinyaga until the roof formed a mountain cap. It would then roar into motion through Kagio, Sagana and finally country bus station six hours later.

Overland Quickservice

This was the darling of the days. It was a charmer. overdecorated with all colours of paint and lights it looked like a moving Christmas tree. Nairobi – Meru was the route. It was much youthful and cleaner than Riakanau.

Gathanga Success

This green contraption was the embodiment of the yesteryears pop-culture. During the Gulf War in the early nineties it had huge portraits of slain Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein. It attracted a certain section of deviant and rebellious youthful passengers also a darling of the Rastafarians.

Kensilver

This was the pioneer of long distance mini-buses along Embu-Meru Highway. It was was famous for speed, organization and forthrightness. You would strictly never find excess or standing passengers. With the rock solid reputation it was loved by newspaper distributors and also trusted to courier urgent mail/parcel in time. The are still in service to date thought not as popular.

Malindi Bus

This was the only bus that could take you to Malindi from Nairobi without ‘connecting’ of course after spending several hours in Mombasa.

Ugwe

For people who come from Western Kenya, Nyanza, Kisii and neighbouring regions, Ugwe was one of the most preferred form of transport by many.

 Akamba

Akamba used to operate countrywide and was among the most prestigious buses in those days until it went under. Akamba was for the rich.

Eldoret Express

The buses which were sometimes called ‘’lightening’’ were the darling of many travellers between Nairobi, Kisumu and its environs. The buses still operate to date. Eldoret express buses still operate to date.

Stage Coach

Kenya Bus Services owned Stage Coach was loved by many for its fair rates and discipline among drivers and conductors. Stage Coach bus during the days.

Webuye Escort

Luhyas in the house? Well, the Webuye Escort buses were accommodative since they would not only carry passengers but also lots and lots of luggage (which the Luhyas love to tag along, lol!).

Shaggy

Shaggy buses were well decorated with trending graffiti inscribed on their exterior. The PSVs were also synonymous with very stylish and flashy honks used to lure passengers. Shaggy had the most exciting exterior.

Benways

Benways could spend at least 12 hours to travel from Nairobi to Kakamega but still was a people’s favourite. Benways was among the favourite.

Dolphin

People from Western region had a variety of buses to choose from including Dolphin bus which was one among their favourite choices. Dolphin bus looking all bright.

Kagema

Kagema buses used to ferry passengers from Nairobi to Eldoret, Kitale to Kimilili among other regions of the country. Like Shaggy, Kagema had nice graffiti on the exterior. 

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