George Ruto’s 98 Sacco: What Passengers Pay to Travel from Nairobi to Rongai and Kiserian

George Ruto’s 98 Sacco has revealed the fares passengers pay when travelling from Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to Ongata Rongai and Kiserian, offering commuters a clearer picture of the cost of using the popular matatu service.

The transport business, owned by President William Ruto’s son, has attracted attention for its customised matatus, distinctive designs and entertainment systems that appeal particularly to younger passengers.

A manager at 98 Logistics, identified as Kinara, explained the fares charged along the sacco’s Route 125, which connects Nairobi CBD to Ongata Rongai and Kiserian.

According to the manager, passengers travelling to Kiserian pay KSh 150 for the full journey. Those heading to Exciting Stage are charged KSh 130, while commuters travelling to Ongata Rongai pay KSh 100.

However, the fares may vary depending on traffic conditions and peak commuting hours.

Kinara also highlighted what he considers some of the features that distinguish the sacco from competitors operating along the busy route.

He said the company emphasises observing passenger limits, keeping time and avoiding overcharging, while maintaining clean vehicles.

The manager’s remarks provide a glimpse into the operations of a transport business that has become increasingly recognisable on Nairobi’s roads.

98 Sacco traces its beginnings to a matatu known as Raptor, which laid the foundation for what later became the Raptor Family. The operation subsequently expanded under the 98 Logistics name.

Over time, the business added several customised Isuzu matatus, many of which have become recognisable because of their elaborate interiors, lighting and individual identities.

Some of the vehicles are known by names such as Mood, Baba Yaga, Money Fest, Matrix and Manifest.

Mood is among the fleet’s standout vehicles. Reports have placed its cost at approximately KSh 14 million and highlighted its use of solar-powered technology.

The sacco’s vehicles combine elements of Kenya’s nganya culture with modern entertainment features and distinctive branding.

Their interiors feature customised bucket seats, colourful lighting and powerful sound systems, while their exterior designs incorporate elaborate graffiti.

These features have helped the matatus attract attention from passengers, social media users and content creators who document Nairobi’s public transport culture.

Beyond the Nairobi CBD–Rongai–Kiserian route, 98 Logistics also operates along the CBD–Embakasi corridor, extending its presence into another busy section of the capital’s transport network.

The expansion has brought greater public attention to the business, particularly because of its association with the President’s family and its highly customised fleet.

It has also contributed to wider conversations about competition, compliance and regulatory oversight within Nairobi’s matatu industry.

Public transport operators in the capital compete for passengers through fares, reliability, vehicle condition and service quality. For commuters, the cost of a journey remains an important consideration, particularly for those who travel daily between residential areas and the city centre.

The fares announced by the 98 Sacco manager therefore provide useful information for passengers using Route 125, although commuters should confirm the applicable charges before travelling because prices may change with operating conditions.

The company has also attracted attention for the employment opportunities associated with its growing fleet.

In an earlier report, veteran matatu driver Robin Ondieki praised the business for creating opportunities for young people in the public transport sector.

Ondieki, who has 15 years of driving experience, operates one of the fleet’s newly customised minibuses.

His experience highlights another aspect of the matatu business beyond the vehicles’ appearance and entertainment features: the drivers and other workers whose livelihoods depend on the industry.

As 98 Logistics continues to expand its presence on Nairobi’s roads, its operations remain part of the broader conversation about the role of private matatu businesses in providing transport and employment opportunities in Kenya.

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