Nairobi Matatu Route 38/39 serves Kariobangi and Dandora, connecting passengers travelling between central Nairobi and residential areas in the northern section of Eastlands. The route also serves the northern Outering Road corridor, providing useful connections to other public transport routes.
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Route 38/39 is particularly useful for commuters travelling towards Kariobangi, Dandora and surrounding neighbourhoods. Because several matatu routes operate within this part of Eastlands, passengers should check the route number, destination and their specific stopping point before boarding.
Route 38/39 Quick Information
Route Number: 38/39
Route: Nairobi – Kariobangi / Dandora
Origin: Nairobi
Main Destinations: Kariobangi and Dandora
Main Corridor: Northern Eastlands
Key Areas: Kariobangi, Dandora
Major Connection: Northern Outering Road
Return Direction: Kariobangi / Dandora – Nairobi
Where to Board Route 38/39 in Nairobi
Route 38/39 matatus heading towards Kariobangi and Dandora operate from central Nairobi alongside other public transport services serving Eastlands.
Passengers should look for vehicles displaying:
38/39 – KARIOBANGI / DANDORA
The destination displayed on the vehicle is important because several matatus travelling towards Eastlands may share sections of the journey before branching towards different neighbourhoods.
Passengers travelling to a particular part of Kariobangi or Dandora should tell the conductor their exact destination.
CBD matatu stages and loading arrangements can change, so commuters should confirm the current Route 38/39 boarding point before travelling.
Route 38/39 from Nairobi to Kariobangi / Dandora
Route 38/39 travels from Nairobi towards the northern side of Eastlands, serving Kariobangi and providing connections towards Dandora.
A simplified journey can be understood as:
Nairobi → northern Eastlands corridor → Kariobangi → Dandora / northern Outering Road connections
Local stopping patterns may vary depending on the particular service and prevailing operating arrangements.
Passengers should therefore confirm their intended stage with the conductor.
Major Route 38/39 Areas and Connections
Kariobangi
Kariobangi is one of the principal areas served by Route 38/39.
Kariobangi is a major residential and commercial area in eastern Nairobi with strong public transport connections to the CBD and neighbouring Eastlands estates.
The area also acts as an important connection point for passengers travelling towards other neighbourhoods.
Passengers travelling specifically to Kariobangi should tell the conductor their preferred stage or landmark.
Dandora
Dandora is another important destination along the Route 38/39 corridor.
Dandora is a large residential area with significant daily commuter traffic towards Nairobi CBD and other parts of the city.
Different public transport routes serve the wider Dandora area, including Route 36.
Passengers should therefore confirm whether Route 38/39 provides the most convenient access to their particular section of Dandora.
Northern Outering Road
The northern section of Outering Road is a major connection associated with Route 38/39.
Outering Road links numerous neighbourhoods across eastern Nairobi and carries substantial public transport traffic.
Passengers connecting with the northern Outering Road corridor can transfer to other matatus travelling towards different parts of Nairobi.
This makes Route 38/39 useful for both direct journeys and trips involving an interchange.
Route 38/39 Nairobi to Kariobangi
Passengers travelling specifically from Nairobi to Kariobangi should look for Route 38/39 vehicles serving the Kariobangi corridor.
The simplified journey is:
Nairobi → northern Eastlands → Kariobangi
Kariobangi has several local stages and connections, so passengers unfamiliar with the area should give the conductor the name of their destination or nearest landmark.
Route 38/39 Nairobi to Dandora
Route 38/39 also serves passengers travelling towards Dandora.
The broader journey can be understood as:
Nairobi → Kariobangi corridor → Dandora
Passengers travelling to Dandora should confirm the specific section served by the vehicle because Dandora is a large residential area with multiple public transport approaches.
Route 38/39 Kariobangi to Dandora
Route 38/39 is also useful for passengers travelling between Kariobangi and Dandora.
These neighbouring parts of Eastlands have strong transport links because residents frequently travel between local residential areas, markets, schools and businesses.
Passengers making a shorter journey between the two areas should confirm their fare and stopping point when boarding.
Route 38/39 and Northern Outering Road
Outering Road is particularly important for Route 38/39 because it provides connections beyond the immediate Kariobangi and Dandora corridor.
Passengers reaching the road can connect to matatus serving other parts of Eastlands and Nairobi.
For commuters making multi-route journeys, this can provide an alternative to travelling into the CBD simply to change vehicles.
Passengers should ask the conductor for the most convenient Outering Road interchange for their final destination.
Route 38/39 and the Kariobangi Commuter Corridor
Kariobangi generates substantial daily passenger traffic because of its large residential population and commercial activity.
Morning commuter flows generally increase towards central Nairobi and other employment centres.
During the evening rush hour, demand moves in the opposite direction as commuters return towards Kariobangi and neighbouring areas.
Route 38/39 forms part of the matatu network supporting these daily journeys.
Route 38/39 and the Dandora Commuter Corridor
Dandora is another major source of commuter traffic within Eastlands.
Residents travel towards the CBD, Industrial Area and other parts of Nairobi for employment, education and business.
Route 38/39 provides one of the public transport options serving passengers travelling towards this part of the city.
Because Dandora is served by more than one route, passengers should choose the service that best matches their particular destination.
Route 38/39 vs Route 36
Route 36 and Route 38/39 both have links to Dandora but are not necessarily identical services.
Route 36
Route 36 is primarily associated with Nairobi–Dandora services and connections to Outering Road.
Route 38/39
Route 38/39 serves the Kariobangi–Dandora corridor and the northern section of Outering Road.
For passengers travelling specifically towards Kariobangi, Route 38/39 may therefore be more relevant.
Route 38/39 vs Route 35/60
Route 35/60 serves another part of Eastlands.
Route 35/60
Route 35/60 is primarily associated with Umoja and connections towards Outering Road.
Route 38/39
Route 38/39 primarily serves Kariobangi and Dandora.
Although both provide connections with Outering Road, their principal destinations are different.
Route 38/39 vs Route 34
Route 34 serves the Donholm and Embakasi corridor, while Route 38/39 serves Kariobangi and Dandora farther north within the wider Eastlands transport network.
Passengers should therefore choose according to their final destination rather than simply boarding any Eastlands-bound vehicle.
Connecting from Route 38/39 to Other Matatus
Kariobangi, Dandora and Outering Road provide opportunities for passengers to connect with other public transport services.
Depending on the interchange point, commuters can continue towards other Eastlands neighbourhoods or destinations elsewhere in Nairobi.
Passengers making a connection should tell the conductor their final destination and ask for the most convenient stage to change vehicles.
Route 38/39 Return Journey: Kariobangi / Dandora to Nairobi
Route 38/39 also serves commuters travelling from Kariobangi and Dandora towards Nairobi.
A simplified return journey follows:
Dandora / Kariobangi → northern Eastlands corridor → Nairobi
Morning services towards Nairobi can experience high passenger demand as commuters travel to workplaces, schools and businesses.
Evening demand generally increases in the opposite direction as passengers return towards Kariobangi and Dandora.
Route 38/39 Matatu Fare
Route 38/39 fares depend on the passenger’s boarding point and destination.
A passenger travelling from Nairobi to Kariobangi may pay a different fare from someone continuing towards Dandora.
Shorter journeys between points along the corridor may also attract different fares.
Traffic conditions, passenger demand, weather and time of day can influence what operators charge.
Important: Nairobi matatu fares are not always fixed and can change at any time. Any Route 38/39 fare published 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 38/39 Travel Time
There is no fixed travel time between Nairobi, Kariobangi and Dandora.
Journey times depend on traffic conditions within central Nairobi and along the northern Eastlands corridor.
Congestion around Kariobangi, Dandora and Outering Road can increase journey times during weekday peak periods.
Heavy rain, road works and traffic incidents can cause additional delays.
Passengers travelling for work, school or appointments should allow extra time during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Route 38/39
Where does Route 38/39 go?
Route 38/39 serves Kariobangi and Dandora, with connections to the northern Outering Road corridor.
Does Route 38/39 go to Kariobangi?
Yes. Kariobangi is one of the principal areas associated with Route 38/39.
Does Route 38/39 go to Dandora?
Yes. Route 38/39 also serves the wider Dandora corridor.
Does Route 38/39 connect with Outering Road?
Yes. The route provides connections with the northern Outering Road corridor.
Which matatu goes from Nairobi to Kariobangi?
Route 38/39 is one of the matatu route numbers serving the Nairobi–Kariobangi corridor.
Which matatu goes from Nairobi to Dandora?
Routes including 36 and 38/39 serve the wider Dandora transport corridor. Passengers should choose according to their specific destination.
What is the difference between Route 38/39 and Route 36?
Route 36 is primarily associated with Dandora, while Route 38/39 serves Kariobangi, Dandora and the northern Outering Road corridor.
What is the difference between Route 38/39 and Route 35/60?
Route 38/39 serves Kariobangi and Dandora, while Route 35/60 primarily serves Umoja.
Can I use Route 38/39 from Kariobangi to Dandora?
Route 38/39 serves the wider Kariobangi–Dandora corridor. Passengers should confirm the particular vehicle’s stopping pattern before boarding.
How much is Route 38/39 from Nairobi to Kariobangi or Dandora?
Fares vary according to destination, traffic conditions, passenger demand, weather and time of day. Passengers should confirm the current fare with the conductor before boarding.
Route 38/39 at a Glance
Route Number: 38/39
Route: Nairobi ↔ Kariobangi / Dandora
Main Destinations: Kariobangi and Dandora
Main Corridor: Northern Eastlands
Major Connection: Northern Outering Road
Related Dandora Route: Route 36
Return Direction: Dandora / Kariobangi → 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.
