The AI-powered English dictionary
plural matatus or matatu
(Kenya, Uganda) A minivan used as a share taxi, especially one operating without a licence. quotations examples
A matatu is also more profitable when driven by its owner than by an employed driver, or if the employee-driver pays in all the earnings and the owner meets the operating costs, rather than when the owner demands a fixed sum of money daily, with the operator keeping the surplus.
1982, United Nations Centre for Human Settlements Habitat News
For now, matatus made lanes along both sides of tarmac main roads and went over, around or through potholes depending on their speed.
2010, Philo Ikonya, Leading the Night, page 102
Memories of their sense of trepidation, or even the anger, aboard a matatu could still be visceral.
2017, Kenda Mutongi, Matatu: A History of Popular Transportation in Nairobi, page 98