The matatu is a small-scale public means of transport in Kenya. This paper analyses the struggle for regulatory and economic sphere of influence in the matatu means of transport in Kenya. The main finding in this paper is that the origin and growth of the matatu in Kenya has brought to the fore contending economic interests as well as the scramble for political influence, dominance and subordination. These contending interests arise due to an array of individuals, groups and businesses that are linked to the matatu. The realization of these interests affects the running of the matatu business as reflected in escalating costs, violence, risk of road traffic accidents and poor terms of service for workers. The conclusion in this paper is that the future of the matatu in Kenya will be affected as long as the business continues to straddle the economic, social and political spheres.Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies. Faculty of Economics and Business. The University of Sydne
