Umoja’s famed matatu, ‘Opposite’, has once again clinched the coveted ‘Kenya One’ title at the 2025 Nganya Awards, cementing its legendary status in Nairobi's vibrant transport culture. The awards, held at a packed Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Saturday, November 29, celebrated the industry's flair while championing road safety and service quality.

Beyond the dazzling graffiti and roaring engines, this year's event signaled a significant industry push towards professional recognition. In a notable win, Ostoh Ranking, a driver for the ‘Money Fest’ matatu owned by George Ruto, was crowned Driver of the Year, underscoring the event's expanding focus beyond vehicle aesthetics to the crews who operate them.

A Battle of Style and Substance

The ‘Kenya One’ category, which honours the best overall matatu in the city, was fiercely contested. Opposite, with its cult-like following, ultimately defended its title for the third year in a row, a victory that matatu curator Rashid Adam noted reflects the public's deep affection for the vehicle itself, even after changes in its crew. The win places it among the longest-reigning champions in the awards' history.

Organised by the Nganya Awards Secretariat, the fourth edition of the ceremony drew hundreds of enthusiasts, crews, and operators, transforming the KICC grounds into a spectacle of mobile art. The event is more than a competition; it is a recognition of a sector that provides livelihoods for thousands and serves as the primary mode of transport for over 60% of Kenyans.

Key Winners of the Night

The awards featured 44 categories celebrating every aspect of the matatu ecosystem. Other notable winners included:

• Driver of the Year: Ostoh Ranking (Money Fest)
• Crew of the Year: Baba Yaga
• Best Sound: Phenomenal (the first matatu in Kenya with a Starlink receiver)
• Best Maintained: Stung 2 (Komarock)
• Long-Distance Bus of the Year: ENA Coach
• Riko of the Year (Best Makeover): Detroit (Ongata Rongai)

The matatu industry is a significant, homegrown economic engine, providing jobs for drivers, conductors, artists, and mechanics. As noted by Albert Karakacha, president of the Matatu Owners Association, events like the Nganya Awards encourage higher standards and nurture the artistic talent that has made Kenyan matatus globally recognizable.

As the industry continues to evolve with innovations like digital payment systems and improved safety features, the Nganya Awards serve as a vital pulse check on a culture that is quintessentially Kenyan—a blend of art, enterprise, and community.