In 2020, a video of a custom-made matatu toy car went viral on social media, with Kenyans impressed by the level of detail that went into it.
From the little screen, which played a popular gengetone song, to the colorful interior, complete with mini-seats.
In an interview, Maurice Njuguna alias JJ, the skilled artist behind the model automobile, told the story of the trendy toy.
“I actually started making model cars when I was just 6 years old. However, working as a tout on various routes within Nairobi inspired me to kickstart the matatu toys production line,” he explained.
Njuguna incorporates his passion for Kenya’s distinct matatu culture into his work, having hung up his tout uniform to focus solely on his toy business.
The brilliant artist set aside a piece of his home in Nairobi’s Umoja community for his workshop.
His matatu miniatures are outfitted with everything found on actual matatus, including tiny chrome wheels, speakers, and vibrant graffiti.
Recycled fiber plastic is his primary raw source. This ensures that his final goods are weatherproof and durable.
To date, his most costly matatu was a Ksh 20,000 model, with the one in the video costing Ksh 10,000.
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However, after researching his target market, he understood the necessity to develop cheaper copies of the same, with less detail.
A cursory look into Kenya’s toy sector reveals how expensive some of the items can be, with miniature automobiles from overseas fetching as much as Ksh 25,000.
Kenyans went to social media to encourage the aspiring artist-turned-entrepreneur to keep creating, vowing to post his films on various internet platforms to help him increase sales.
JJ is currently developing an online platform where Kenyans may explore his catalogue and place orders. He proudly disclosed that his next project is a mini-bus adorned with Gor Mahia Football Club graffiti.
Notably, his video became viral on the day designated to commemorate International Youth Day 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier in the day encouraged the youth to focus their creative energies into creating something for themselves.
It’s safe to say that JJ is way ahead of the game, with the erstwhile tout now reaping the benefits of his unique efforts.
