Meet Elijah Wa Tene, a young man from Nakuru who has built an unusual livelihood by working as a matatu “seti,” a role he has held for the past two years.
His work involves spending long hours inside public service vehicles, creating the impression of a busy, occupied matatu to attract passengers. He says his day begins at around 6:00 am and runs until 6:00 pm, during which he moves from one vehicle to another depending on demand.
Like many others in the same informal role, Elijah spends most of his time pretending to be engaged in activities such as talking on the phone, flipping through magazines, or simply staring out of the window. This performance is meant to give the impression of a full and active matatu, encouraging commuters to board without hesitation.
Elijah reveals that he can serve as a placeholder for up to 20 different vehicles in a single day, earning about Ksh 20 per vehicle. By the end of a good day, his total earnings can reach around Ksh 400, which he says is enough to sustain his daily needs and support his modest bachelor lifestyle.He notes that while the job may appear simple to outsiders, it requires patience, consistency, and the ability to adapt quickly to different vehicle crews and passenger dynamics throughout the day.
Despite the unconventional nature of the work, Elijah says it has provided him with a stable source of income over the past two years, allowing him to manage his personal expenses without relying on others. He remains committed to the hustle, viewing it as a dignified way of earning a living while navigating the busy transport corridors of Nakuru every single day.His story highlights the creative informal jobs shaping urban livelihoods in Kenya today and beyond in general.