The biggest problem, unfortunately if I may add, with the Rimula is that it's quite difficult to identify counterfeits unlike with the Total Rubia where it's quite easy. This I learnt the hard way with a petrol engine before eventually settling on Total Quartz 7000 15w50.

On both 3l & 1kz engines, I use Total Rubia TIR 7400 15w40. The total fellows, when I contacted them by email, advised that this oil can be ordinarily drained at 10,000km intervals but in severe/strenous driving, of which matatu is considered one, they advised a drain interval of 5,000km. I settled for 4,500km with 5,000km as the maximum allowable.

My contact was a guy by the name Solayman. I dealt with them through tradecarview. Thats inclusive of the negotiation through the Carview kenya offices at westlands.

Jerry, I have now seen several KBYs. Something's cookin. Hope you are getting somewhere.

The newest I have seen is a KBY/F plying the Meru - Nbi route. Also seen a numbeer of KBY/E on same route. @Jerry, any success yet?

Please do, I will appreciate. You can reach me on matatuman123 at gmail dot com. I might just take the plunge before someone makes some roadside declaration. One other question, what happens if your sacco has exhausted it's allocation?

The TLB is supposed to do an audit to reconcile the figures of 'vacancies' allocated, those that were filled and in case any weren't filled, they are reallocated. For this reason, SACCOs have been asked to make some returns showing the vehicles they have under them, etc. However, no word as yet on how long this will take.

Sorry to keep you waiting but I decided to put it on OLX on 27/02/2014. It's registered as a van and advance tax paid for a van (not matatu). My SACCO manager either didn't know the "new rules" or didn't want to tell me. If I dispose it I can bring another one as I seek info on the regulations.

Jana niliona KBY/H na ni ya Meru route. How are these guys getting them?

Jerry, Raha shuttles have several KBYs. I highly doubt they are almost exhausting their allocated maximum allowable vehicles considering they did not buy many nguruwes (townace). I also did the van inspection in mombasa in order to get my number plates. What is required are the chevrons, reflectors, PSV advance tax etc. But I still had to re-do the inspection, this time not van but matatu inspection. Before that i had to fit the seats, seatbelts, speed governor, route. Only After the inspection did I do the branding of the mat. Among the items required for TLB is the matatu Inspection certificate, speed governor certificate, Letter from the sacco, Valid insurance (Matatu insurance). I hope that all will be well. That you will get a good price for the unit. Though You would definitely get a much better price if it was registered. As in uuze ikiwa kwa lami.

@Prime, You've understood the process of matatu registration very clearly. How much would someone expect to make on a single van? If I have to put it on the road it means I exclude those who may be interested in the van for other uses!