Nairobi Matatu Route 145 connects Nairobi with Kikuyu, travelling through the busy western commuter corridor via Waiyaki Way, Kangemi, Uthiru and Kinoo. It serves passengers making both short trips along the western side of Nairobi and longer journeys into Kikuyu in Kiambu County.

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For passengers travelling beyond Kangemi and Uthiru, Route 145 provides a useful connection towards Kinoo and Kikuyu. Since many matatus use the same western corridor, passengers should check that the vehicle displays Kikuyu as its destination before boarding.

Route 145 Quick Information

Route Number: 145
Route: Nairobi – Kikuyu
Origin: Nairobi
Main Destination: Kikuyu
Main Corridor: Waiyaki Way
Key Areas: Kangemi, Uthiru, Kinoo, Kikuyu
County Connection: Nairobi – Kiambu County
Return Direction: Kikuyu – Nairobi

Where to Board Route 145 in Nairobi

Route 145 matatus heading towards Kikuyu operate from central Nairobi alongside other services travelling towards the western side of the city.

Passengers should look for vehicles displaying:

145 – KIKUYU

Several routes leaving Nairobi travel towards Kangemi and Uthiru before separating or terminating at different destinations. Passengers heading to Kinoo or Kikuyu should therefore confirm the final destination with the conductor.

Loading stages within Nairobi CBD can change because of traffic-management arrangements, so passengers should confirm the current Route 145 boarding point before travelling.

Route 145 from Nairobi to Kikuyu

The Route 145 journey follows one of Nairobi’s major western commuter corridors.

A simplified route is:

Nairobi → Waiyaki Way → Kangemi → Uthiru → Kinoo → Kikuyu

Passengers can use the service for intermediate destinations, but those travelling the entire route remain on the vehicle until Kikuyu.

Major Route 145 Stops and Areas Served

Waiyaki Way

Waiyaki Way is the principal road corridor used by Route 145 when travelling west from Nairobi.

The road carries large volumes of commuter traffic between central Nairobi and residential and commercial areas on the western side of the metropolitan region.

Many different matatu routes operate along Waiyaki Way, so passengers should pay attention to both the route number and destination.

Kangemi

Kangemi is one of the first major commuter areas along the Route 145 western corridor.

The neighbourhood is an important residential, commercial and public transport centre.

Passengers travelling only between Nairobi and Kangemi have several route choices. Route 145 becomes particularly useful for passengers continuing beyond Kangemi towards Uthiru, Kinoo and Kikuyu.

Uthiru

Uthiru is another important destination along Route 145.

Located farther west along the Nairobi metropolitan corridor, Uthiru has substantial daily commuter traffic towards Nairobi.

Some matatus terminate around Uthiru, making it important for passengers travelling farther to confirm that their vehicle continues towards Kinoo and Kikuyu.

Kinoo

Kinoo is a major intermediate destination on Route 145.

The area lies between Uthiru and Kikuyu and has experienced substantial residential growth due to its proximity to Nairobi.

Many residents commute towards Nairobi for work, education and business.

Passengers travelling to Kinoo should tell the conductor their specific stage or landmark.

Kikuyu

Kikuyu is the main destination of Route 145.

Kikuyu is a major town in Kiambu County immediately west of Nairobi and forms part of the wider Nairobi metropolitan commuter belt.

The town has strong road and public transport connections with Nairobi, with large numbers of commuters travelling between the two areas every day.

Route 145 Nairobi to Kangemi

Route 145 can be used by passengers travelling from Nairobi towards Kangemi.

However, Kangemi is served by several shorter routes, meaning passengers whose journey ends there have multiple options.

For passengers continuing farther west, Route 145 provides onward travel towards:

Kangemi → Uthiru → Kinoo → Kikuyu

Route 145 Nairobi to Uthiru

Passengers travelling from Nairobi to Uthiru can also use services along the Route 145 corridor.

Uthiru is an important dividing point because some western Nairobi services terminate there.

Passengers whose destination is Kinoo or Kikuyu should make sure the vehicle continues beyond Uthiru.

Route 145 Nairobi to Kinoo

Route 145 is particularly useful for passengers travelling towards Kinoo.

The simplified journey is:

Nairobi → Kangemi → Uthiru → Kinoo

Kinoo has several residential areas and local stopping points, so passengers should tell the conductor their exact destination.

Route 145 Nairobi to Kikuyu

Passengers travelling the entire Route 145 journey continue beyond Kinoo towards Kikuyu.

The full simplified route is:

Nairobi → Waiyaki Way → Kangemi → Uthiru → Kinoo → Kikuyu

When boarding in Nairobi, passengers should look specifically for vehicles displaying Kikuyu.

This reduces the risk of boarding a service terminating earlier along the western corridor.

Route 145 and the Nairobi–Kikuyu Commuter Corridor

Kikuyu has become closely integrated with Nairobi’s commuter economy.

Many residents of Kikuyu, Kinoo and surrounding areas travel into Nairobi for employment, education and business.

As a result, public transport demand along the corridor is strongest during weekday commuter periods.

Morning passenger flows generally move towards Nairobi, while evening demand increases towards Uthiru, Kinoo and Kikuyu.

Route 145 vs Route 23

Route 23 and Route 145 share part of Nairobi’s western transport corridor but serve very different journey lengths.

Route 23

Route 23 is primarily associated with Kangemi.

Route 145

Route 145 continues considerably farther towards Uthiru, Kinoo and Kikuyu.

Passengers travelling beyond Kangemi should therefore choose a service that continues towards their destination.

Route 145 vs Route 105

Route 105 also serves part of the western Nairobi corridor.

Route 105

Route 105 primarily serves Kangemi, Mountain View and Uthiru.

Route 145

Route 145 continues beyond Uthiru towards Kinoo and Kikuyu.

This makes Route 145 more relevant for passengers travelling to the outer western side of the Nairobi metropolitan area.

Route 145 vs Limuru-Bound Matatus

Passengers may also encounter matatus travelling beyond Kikuyu towards Limuru.

Routes such as 115, 135 and 137 are associated with the wider Limuru corridor.

Route 145, by comparison, serves Kikuyu as its main destination.

Passengers should therefore choose their vehicle according to where they intend to end their journey.

Route 145 Return Journey: Kikuyu to Nairobi

Route 145 also serves passengers travelling from Kikuyu towards Nairobi.

The simplified return journey is:

Kikuyu → Kinoo → Uthiru → Kangemi → Nairobi

Morning services towards Nairobi can become busy as commuters travel to workplaces, schools and businesses in the capital.

Evening demand generally increases in the opposite direction as commuters return towards Kikuyu.

Route 145 Matatu Fare

Route 145 fares depend on the distance travelled.

A passenger travelling from Nairobi to Kangemi may pay a different fare from someone travelling to Uthiru, Kinoo or Kikuyu.

Fares can also vary according to traffic conditions, passenger demand, weather and time of day.

Peak commuting periods may attract higher fares when demand increases.

Important: Matatu fares along the Nairobi–Kangemi–Uthiru–Kinoo–Kikuyu corridor are not always fixed and can change at any time. Any Route 145 fare mentioned in this guide should therefore be treated as an estimate rather than a guaranteed price.

Passengers should confirm the current fare with the conductor before boarding.

Route 145 Travel Time

There is no fixed travel time between Nairobi and Kikuyu.

Traffic along the western Nairobi corridor can vary considerably throughout the day.

Morning traffic heading towards Nairobi and evening traffic travelling towards Kikuyu can increase journey times.

Road works, accidents, weather and congestion around major junctions can also cause delays.

Passengers travelling for work, school or appointments should allow additional time during peak periods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Route 145

Where does Route 145 go?

Route 145 connects Nairobi with Kikuyu via Waiyaki Way, Kangemi, Uthiru and Kinoo.

Does Route 145 go to Kikuyu?

Yes. Kikuyu is the main destination of Route 145.

Does Route 145 pass Kangemi?

Yes. Route 145 serves the Kangemi corridor before continuing towards Uthiru.

Does Route 145 pass Uthiru?

Yes. Uthiru is one of the major intermediate destinations on Route 145.

Does Route 145 go to Kinoo?

Yes. Route 145 serves Kinoo before continuing to Kikuyu.

Does Route 145 use Waiyaki Way?

Yes. Waiyaki Way is the principal western road corridor used by Route 145.

Which matatu goes from Nairobi to Kikuyu?

Route 145 is one of the matatu route numbers serving the Nairobi–Kikuyu corridor.

Which matatu goes from Nairobi to Kinoo?

Route 145 serves Kinoo on its journey from Nairobi towards Kikuyu.

What is the difference between Route 145 and Route 105?

Route 105 primarily serves Kangemi, Mountain View and Uthiru, while Route 145 continues beyond Uthiru towards Kinoo and Kikuyu.

What is the difference between Route 145 and Route 23?

Route 23 primarily serves Kangemi, while Route 145 continues farther towards Uthiru, Kinoo and Kikuyu.

How much is Route 145 from Nairobi to Kikuyu?

Fares vary according to traffic, passenger demand, weather and time of day. Passengers should confirm the current fare with the conductor before boarding.

Route 145 at a Glance

Route Number: 145
Route: Nairobi ↔ Kikuyu
Main Destination: Kikuyu
Main Corridor: Waiyaki Way
Key Areas: Kangemi, Uthiru, Kinoo, Kikuyu
County Connection: Nairobi ↔ Kiambu County
Return Direction: Kikuyu → Kinoo → Uthiru → Kangemi → Nairobi

Route numbers, stages, fares, stops and operating patterns can change. Metros Kenya periodically reviews its Nairobi matatu route information to provide commuters with useful and up-to-date public transport information.