Pioneering African Public Transport: Lessons from Kenya Bus Service’s Edwins Mukabanah

In the latest episode of the Mobility Redefined podcast, host Dr. Kaan Yildizgöz sits down with a true pioneer in African public transport: Edwins Mukabanah, Managing Director of Kenya Bus Service Management Limited (KBS). With over 40 years of experience spanning operations, management, and policy, Edwins provides a deep and compelling look into the evolution of mobility on the continent — and what lies ahead.

This episode offers invaluable insight for anyone interested in transport transformation, especially in contexts where informal systems dominate. Below is a glimpse into some of the compelling themes discussed. To fully grasp the depth of this conversation, we strongly recommend listening to the full recording.

A Career Built on Passion and Policy

Edwins’ journey began in 1984 with a UK-based transport firm operating across Kenya and neighbouring countries. His roles spanned everything from parcel logistics and ferry services to human resource management. International experience in the UK and Malawi, along with academic training at the University of Westminster, laid a strong foundation for a career now focused on modernising and advocating for sustainable public transport systems in Kenya and beyond.

A Franchise-Based Bus Model: Innovating in Nairobi

Following the collapse of the original Kenya Bus Service company, Edwins returned from the UK with a bold new idea: a franchising model. This involved inviting independent minibus (Matatu) operators to run under a unified structure with shared ticketing, branding, and service standards. The result? A functional hybrid of formal and informal systems, offering a viable alternative to the chaos often associated with paratransit.

Though initially privately led, this model has since evolved into a government-supported cooperative system. Despite challenges, it remains a crucial stepping stone toward more structured public transport in Nairobi.

The Matatu Culture: Tradition Meets Transition

No conversation about Kenyan mobility is complete without discussing the Matatu — the iconic, graffiti-covered minibuses blasting music and weaving through city traffic. While culturally significant, Edwins is candid about the drawbacks: inconsistent service, lack of safety training, and informal operations that make standardisation difficult.

Yet, rather than advocating for their removal, he calls for their transformation. Matatus, he argues, can and should be part of a larger, integrated system. With the right training, infrastructure, and regulatory support, they can coexist with newer models like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

Systemic Challenges: Capacity, Corruption and Congestion

Edwins outlines a litany of systemic hurdles facing African cities: poor driver training, non-existent passenger information systems, rampant fare undercutting, ageing vehicle fleets, and a weak enforcement of existing regulations. Add to this mix the explosion of motorcycle taxis (Boda Bodas), and it’s clear why chaos often prevails.

The solution, he suggests, lies in a multi-pronged approach: professionalisation, infrastructure investment, public-private partnerships, and — critically — capacity building at every level, from policy makers to platform staff.

Electrification: Promise with Practical Problems

Kenya is moving steadily toward electrification, and KBS has already begun operating electric buses. However, cost remains a major barrier. Limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, lack of local technical knowledge, and reluctance from banks to finance electric vehicles make widespread adoption difficult.

Nonetheless, momentum is building. With over 500 electric buses already on order and growing interest from international partners, Edwins is optimistic — provided there’s continued investment in local assembly and supportive policies.

Nairobi’s BRT Ambitions: A Work in Progress

Nairobi’s long-anticipated BRT network is still in the early stages, but there’s hope on the horizon. Five routes have been planned, and while operator resistance exists (as seen in other African cities like Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam), lessons learned elsewhere are helping shape a more inclusive implementation process.

NAMATA, the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, is engaging operators like Edwins in the planning and governance process, with support from international bodies including the European Union and the Korean government.

A Call to Action: Opportunities Across the Board

In closing, Edwins extends an open invitation to global partners: Africa’s transport sector is rich with opportunity. From infrastructure and technology to spare parts and training, there is ample room for collaboration.

“We also deserve a good transport system,” he concludes — a powerful reminder that innovation and investment should not stop at national borders.