Digital content creator, entrepreneur, and outspoken personality Lydia Wanjiru recently shared a surprising chapter of her past, revealing that she once worked as a matatu tout (makanga) to make ends meet. Known for her strong opinions and energetic persona, she opened up about the financial struggles that led her to take on unconventional jobs in her pursuit of stability.
Lydia recounted how she found herself in this line of work due to the immediate pay it provided, something she desperately needed at the time. While she was also employed as a waitress at a city hotel, her salary was often delayed for months, leaving her in a difficult financial position despite showing up to work daily. With bills piling up and no consistent income, she had to look for alternative ways to survive.
Sharing an old video from 2018 of herself collecting fare in a matatu, Lydia reflected on those tough times. She explained that the restaurant she worked at could sometimes go up to three months without paying employees, forcing her to find creative ways to make ends meet. Since she was stationed at the Upperhill branch, daily transport costs became a burden, prompting her to find a solution.
To cut down on expenses, she befriended some of the touts, who allowed her to ride for free in exchange for assisting with fare collection. What started as a favor soon turned into an unexpected side hustle.
“I had to get close to the makanga to avoid paying fare, but in return, I would assist in collecting money. I have truly survived in this Nairobi,” she said.
Looking back, she expressed gratitude to the drivers and touts who gave her the opportunity. She revealed that the matatus she worked in belonged to a colleague’s brother, though her colleague never knew she had turned it into a source of income.
“God bless those drivers and makanga. The matatus were part of Scorpio under Espresso Sacco, operating the town-Mwiki route. The owner was a brother to my colleague, who worked as a cashier. To this day, she doesn’t know that after introducing me to them, it became my side hustle. Thank you, Jane.”
Having come from such a background, Lydia encouraged people not to envy her current lifestyle, emphasizing that she had worked tirelessly to reach where she is today. She applauded herself for being resilient and willing to take on different jobs in her quest for a better future.
“If you see me out here working hard and living within my means, please understand and pray for me. I have had very dark days of pure lack. I’ve questioned God so many times,” she admitted.
Beyond working as a matatu tout, she also ran a small chips and smokie business for four months after experiencing a difficult breakup. This venture helped her sustain herself before eventually moving to Nairobi in search of better opportunities.
“One thing about me is that I’m shameless and a starter. I don’t choose jobs, and I’m never embarrassed about anything that earns me an honest living. I’ve always said I’d do anything except sell my body or harm others.”
In light of her journey, Lydia urged young people to take action rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them. She expressed frustration over those who refuse to start small, despite having the ability to create income for themselves.
“It pains me to see people suffering ‘in standards’ when they can start small businesses to feed themselves and their families. Right now, employment is scarce—get a sack, set up a stall, and sell onions, avocados, or household items. Stop waiting around for a job. Pray, work hard, and interact with people outside. CLOSED MOUTHS DON’T GET FED!”
Her message resonated with many, serving as a powerful reminder that success often comes from resilience, hard work, and an open mind toward unconventional opportunities. Lydia’s journey from financial hardship to entrepreneurship underscores the importance of adaptability and the determination to overcome obstacles, no matter how difficult they may seem.
