Daniel Muri: Meet Kenyan Businessman Behind Kangaroo Shuttle
- Kangaroo Shuttle is one of the matatu SACCOs plying the Kitale-Eldoret-Nakuru route, offering passenger and parcel services
- The public service vehicle company was established by a Kenyan tycoon who explained the inspiration behind it
- The matatu business, which began with a few seven-seater vans, has since expanded and now boasts a fleet of over 100 vehicles
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The prospect of making thousands of shillings daily makes the matatu business appear alluring.
Source: Getty Images
However, the industry faces multiple challenges, including bribery, costly licences and taxes.
Who founded Kangaroo Shuttle?
Notwithstanding the constraints, Kenyan businessman Daniel Muri developed a strategy to establish a reputable public service company.
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Who Owns Kenya reported that Muri founded Kangaroo Shuttle in 2010, with a few seven-seater vans.
His vision was clear, and he remained dedicated to it as he aimed to become the undisputed leader of the Kitale-Eldoret route.
Muri was adamant about standing out and making his imprint, unlike other matatu proprietors.
This is considering that success in the matatu industry is considered to depend heavily on SACCOs maintaining order and discipline.
What inspired Muri to start Kangaroo Shuttle?
There was chaos on the Kitale-Eldoret route attributed to delays as a result of the matatus scrambling for passengers, overloading, and frequent stopovers.
Sometimes they would even change routes, leaving many passengers unhappy and irritated.
Bizna Kenya reported that Muri saw this as an opportunity to restore discipline and order so that passengers can have seamless, uninterrupted express travel.
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The company established its first offices in Kitale, Moi's Bridge and Eldoret for passengers to reserve seats.
When Kenya started importing new Toyota Hiace models in 2012, Kangaroo Shuttle stopped using its seven-seater vans and adopted the new models.
Due to this quick growth, there was a competitive hiring process for new drivers and office clerks.
Candidates underwent a series of road tests under the watchful supervision of a corporate official before being hired as drivers.
Those who failed to meet the standards were immediately removed from the list.
How did Kangaroo Shuttle grow?
Drivers and office staffers needed to behave politely when speaking with passengers.
When engaging with passengers, drivers and office staff were also expected to behave politely.
Thanks to their devoted fan base, what was once a fantasy for travellers on Kangaroo Shuttle's routes is now a reality.
Strong customer service has helped the business grow and made it expand to a fleet of over 100 vehicles.
For instance, 14-seaters accommodate only 11 passengers, providing comfort for passengers. customers.
The SACCO noted that it complies fully with all the laws and rules about operational speed controls, and as such, they are rarely stopped by police officers.
Who founded North Rift SACCO?
North Rift Luxury Shuttle is one of the matatu SACCOs that provides passenger and parcel services from Nairobi to towns in the Rift Valley and Western.
The PSC company was established in 2005 under the chairmanship of Ngigi Kange'the.
Before it was founded, North Rift Shuttle ran for more than ten years under the brand name Everytime Peugeot Services.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
