In the vibrant urban landscape of Nakuru, where the hustle and bustle of daily life intersects with the chaotic allure of public transportation, a group of individuals known as “setis” quietly plays a pivotal role within the matatu industry—a role often overlooked by the average commuter.
As one steps onto a matatu, the observant eye may catch a glimpse of passengers already seated inside. What may not be immediately apparent is that some of these seemingly ordinary passengers serve as placeholders, strategically positioned to give the illusion of a fully occupied vehicle.
Enter Elijah Wa Tene, a young man who has assumed the role of a seti for the past two years. In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, a Nakuru-based website, Elijah shares that his day kicks off at the crack of dawn, around 6:00 am, and extends until 6:00 pm in the evening. During these hours, Elijah, like his counterparts in the seti community, adeptly performs a charade of busyness—engaging in pretend phone conversations, flipping through magazines, or gazing into the distance.
The objective is clear: to create the illusion of a matatu filled with passengers, enticing wary commuters to step on board. Elijah elucidates that his role is far from simple, often serving as a placeholder for up to 20 different vehicles in a single day, earning Ksh 20 in each.
The morning hours pose a particular challenge when passenger numbers are sparse. Despite the potential inconvenience to unsuspecting passengers, Elijah emphasizes that being a seti is his livelihood. Alongside fellow setis, he ensures that matatus do not present the appearance of emptiness, a sight that could dissuade potential customers from boarding.
The driving force behind this elaborate performance is a simple one—money. Elijah earns approximately Ksh 20 per vehicle, and the cumulative income at the end of the month sustains his bachelor lifestyle, covering all essential expenses.
In a city where employment opportunities are limited and competition is fierce, becoming a seti emerges as a pragmatic choice for many young individuals, echoing Elijah’s circumstances. Nevertheless, this practice is not without its challenges, with one of the primary obstacles being the need to evade the displeasure of passengers who may uncover the orchestrated facade.
