@nia9 – thanks. Be encouraged. It’s a business that can make you money. I was lucky to get some guidance. To answer your questions
1)New complete mat is either 4.3/4.7 which is for NPR/NQR. You can get slightly cheaper if you buy chasis and give to bodybuilder (I prefer CFG as opposed to the others as they have a sturdy body). KCI is the best though but a lot more expensive. With regards to mannyanga – can go up to 6m (Really depends on what you wanna do – I have seen one that even has business class seats in Rongai )
* My advise – KISS. Keep it simple stupid. Go overboard on your third or fourth mat. For your first one just get some airbrushing and music – budget about 200k
2) Supped up one makes more as mentioned earlier. They don’t line up so can do more “squads”
3) You can finance with the banks (NIC best) or other bank. Two others are looking to join and make it happen so look into it.
4)There is no such thing as “stress free management” – even Buffet/Gates don’t have this. You need to find a good manager. The SACCOS will not do this for you. They will assist with TLB’s/ cops to an extent/ insurance claims etc but not day to day management of your vehicles. Get involved in your first year. I have a full time job and manage but you need to be able to tell the “stories” from the truth. Whats more you get to know the other owners on your route – we really tend to help each other out.

The de-cat basically gives you a high flow exhaust. Have the catalytic converter removed. Get a Unichip installed and get an eco tune done by one of the pro tuners. Only two in Nairobi. Simon Sharpe of Sharpe services in Karen or the master tuner himself Amit Pandya of AMS chip tuning.

Avoid Sharpe he works with some kalasinga who has a problem with dark skin. Last job he did for me was shoddy and they just don't care. AMS is pricy but they do a good job. Never had a van tuned at AMS, but they once did a Subaru for me.

Plus you might want to replace the oxygen sensor before the tune with a new one not second hand. Pombe si lazima so do not feel obliged.

@Junior, What is your take on the ready made bodies by GB Polo? Also Hino vs Isuzu? On paper the Hino appears to be better I.e power & consumption.

Interesting article. KBS MD is launching a new service with 10 Hinos.


http://businesstoday.co....le-western-kenya-routes

Wooi nawahurumia. No way that bus will beat the boxes and 5Ls on those routes. Wangenunua gari ndogo. Even Guardian found it tough and had to introduce so called Tablets. Those buses will end up in Nairobi since they also can't compete on the Nairobi - Western routes.

Thitifini, what route are you on? Petrols only made sense when the difference in price was close to 600k. But they are still as good as 5Ls, just do a decat, fit an aftermarket chip and have it remapped then buy me a beer.

If you don't my asking, how is the productivity on this route/sacco on a normal month? Is the car on the road daily except for service?

All Manyanga Owners - I hear there is a major operation later this week for vehicles with horns and noisy exhausts. The fines are crazy so check with your SACCO if your route is affected.