Modes of Transportation

Here are the different ways we get around in Kisumu:

1. Tuk Tuk



This is the most comfortable ride other than a car.

2. Boda Boda



There are many boda boda guys on each street corner.

3. Piki Piki (motorbike) also called boda boda



This is the fastest way to get around other than a car/taxi. The only bad thing about them is that no one wears helmets while riding them. When patients in Tonj came in with injuries from a motorcycle, we called it Piki Piki-itis.

4. Matatus



These are supposed to seat 14, but I have been on one where there were 24 people. It was not a comfortable ride! They are manned by a driver and another guy who hangs off the side calling people to the matatu. These guys also collect the money. They are pretty aggressive as are the drivers. Matatus stop a lot so it can take a while to get to where you are going. They wait until it's full before leaving and then stop whenever someone wants to get off. You really have to be on guard while on matatus. It's common to be pick pocketed.

5. Taxis

(Picture a typical 4 door sedan)

Very rarely used.

6. Feet



Here is how they rate in cost within town from cheapest to lowest – specific rates depend on where you are going:

Matatu (10-30 shillings)
Boda Boda (20-50 shillings)
Pici Pici (100-300 shillings)
Tuk Tuk (200-400 shillings)
Car/Taxi (300-600 shillings)


(90 Kenya Shillings per 1 US Dollar)