Although not very common in the country today, double-decker buses in Kenya have a rich history spanning nearly a century.
They evolved from colonial-era public transport to luxury tourist vehicles and modern high-capacity shuttles.
During the colonial era, double-decker buses began operating in Kenya between 1955 and 1957. They mainly served Nairobi and Mombasa under the famous Kenya Bus Service (KBS).
Between the 1970s and 1990s, they became very popular in Nairobi’s public transport system. Later, in the 1990s, they operated under the Stagecoach brand, providing daily commuter services in the capital city.
Years later, many of the buses were retired and ceased operations, with some being converted into holiday getaways and homestays.
Promise Mbuvi investment in Double-decker buses
Following the success of KBS and Stagecoach, double-decker buses in Kenya paved the way for private investors, among them Primrose Mbuvi.
In 2001, she launched a number of double-decker buses under her company, Primix Enterprises, where she served as a director.
The buses were considered game changers in Kenya’s transport sector. While ordinary matatus carried up to 24 passengers, a double-decker bus could accommodate up to 103 passengers in a single trip.
To cater to people of different ages and needs, Primrose, through Primix Enterprises, customized the buses to provide greater comfort for passengers.
Additionally, maintaining the buses was affordable, as the company hired employees who received specialized training in Thailand. This helped ensure smooth operations.
After years of operation, the buses eventually ceased operating. Today, these double-decker buses are permanently out of service.
