Machakos Woman Transforms Old Bus into Stunning Tiny Home With Bedroom, Bathroom and Rooftop Views

A woman based in Machakos County has impressed with her creative transformation of an old bus into a fully furnished tiny home featuring a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and an elevated deck offering scenic views of the Kapiti Plains.

Esa Masilla, a nutritionist and Airbnb Superhost, named the unique property 045 Wheels and Planes. The project follows her earlier venture into converting shipping containers into accommodation for visitors seeking a distinctive experience.

According to the report, the idea for the bus house emerged after guests who booked her four bedroom container home, which can accommodate up to 12 people, frequently contacted her to say they were travelling in smaller groups of two, three or four. She therefore needed a smaller accommodation option suited to such visitors.

Esa and her husband travelled to Naivasha, where they sourced two old buses previously used to transport workers on flower farms. One was transformed into the tiny home in Machakos, while the other was converted into the Bus Bro restaurant in Utawala.

The name 045 comes from Machakos County’s code, while Wheels refers to the bus itself. Planes is a reference to the nearby Kapiti Plains Conservancy, which the property faces.

Inside, the bus features extensive wooden finishes, including timber panelling and tongue and groove board ceilings. It also has a reading nook stocked with books, adding to the cosy atmosphere.

The compact kitchen is equipped with a mini cooker, microwave, fridge freezer and a deep sink supplied with hot and cold water heated using solar energy. Storage spaces are also available for spices and cooking utensils.

A sitting area fitted with a convertible sofa allows the unit to accommodate up to four guests. The bathroom has tiled finishes, a sensor light, a shower cubicle and a toilet, giving the converted vehicle several amenities associated with conventional accommodation.

One of the most unusual features is that the original engine was preserved during the renovation. The bus can still be started and driven, and Esa reportedly enjoys demonstrating this to children who visit and are curious to hear it running.

The outdoor space adds another attraction, with an upper deck overlooking the Kapiti Plains Conservancy. Visitors can also use an outdoor kitchen for preparing nyama choma, while shared recreational facilities include a playhouse equipped with a pool table and table tennis.

Guests also have access to a 10 kilometre walking and running route. An outdoor bathtub was still being planned at the time of the report.

The conversion was completed by artisans from Machakos County, something Esa takes pride in. However, she identified being away while construction was underway as one of the main challenges, as she had to make some corrections when she returned.

Esa has also hinted at plans to develop a mobile bus home, suggesting that the unusual accommodation concept could inspire further projects.

Her latest venture demonstrates how an old vehicle can be repurposed into a functional hospitality space, combining compact living with creative design and outdoor experiences.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/643944-machakos-woman-turns-bus-stunning-tiny-home-bedroom-bathroom-rooftop-view/

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