Route 39 connects Nairobi with Ruai through Jogoo Road, Outer Ring Road, Kangundo Road and Njiru. It provides public transport for residents, workers, students and business passengers travelling across Nairobi’s eastern metropolitan corridor.
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Route 39 may also appear under the combined designation 38/39. Passengers should confirm that the vehicle displays Ruai and establish whether it terminates there or continues farther along Kangundo Road.
Route 39 Essential Information
| Route information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route number | 39 or 38/39 |
| Main destination | Ruai |
| Main outer corridor | Kangundo Road |
| Major connection | Outer Ring Road |
| Important intermediate area | Njiru |
| Return direction | Ruai–Nairobi |
How to Identify Route 39
Look for a vehicle displaying:
- 39 – RUAI
- 38/39 – RUAI
- A destination beyond Ruai along Kangundo Road
If the vehicle displays Njiru only, confirm whether it continues to Ruai.
Where to Board Route 39
Route 39 matatus operate from Nairobi stages serving Jogoo Road, Outer Ring Road and Kangundo Road destinations.
Loading points may change. Ask specifically for a Ruai-bound Route 39 or 38/39 vehicle.
Route 39 Journey Sequence
The simplified journey is:
Nairobi → Jogoo Road → Outer Ring Road connection → Kangundo Road → Njiru → Ruai
Some vehicles may pass through or near Umoja and Kayole connections before joining Kangundo Road.
The precise stopping pattern depends on the operator.
Jogoo Road
Jogoo Road carries Route 39 from the central Nairobi side towards Eastlands.
It is shared by many services travelling to:
- Buruburu
- Donholm
- Umoja
- Kayole
- Embakasi
- Njiru
- Ruai
Passengers should check the destination board rather than relying on the general direction of travel.
Outer Ring Road Connection
Outer Ring Road provides access between Jogoo Road and several eastern Nairobi neighbourhoods.
Passengers can make connections towards:
- Donholm
- Umoja
- Kayole
- Embakasi
- Dandora
- Airport-area corridors
- Other Eastlands destinations
The official name is Outer Ring Road, although it is commonly written and pronounced as Outering Road.
Kangundo Road
Kangundo Road is the main corridor used for the outer section of the Route 39 journey.
The road serves Njiru, Ruai and growing metropolitan communities farther east.
Passengers travelling to a specific estate or institution should identify the nearest recognised Kangundo Road stage.
Njiru
Njiru is the principal intermediate destination before Ruai.
The area contains residential estates, industrial facilities, schools, businesses and local stages.
Some vehicles may terminate in Njiru. Ruai-bound passengers should confirm that their matatu continues.
Ruai
Ruai is the main destination associated with Route 39.
The area is a major residential, commercial and public transport centre with connections towards:
- Eastern Bypass
- Kamulu
- Joska
- Malaa
- Other Kangundo Road communities
Passengers should specify their exact Ruai stage because the wider area contains multiple local destinations.
Route 39 Compared with Route 38
Routes 38 and 39 operate within the same general eastern corridor.
| Route | General service |
|---|---|
| Route 38 | Njiru and Ruai service |
| Route 39 | Ruai-focused service |
| Route 38/39 | Combined Njiru–Ruai corridor designation |
Local stopping patterns may differ. Passengers should choose according to the destination displayed.
Travelling Beyond Ruai
Some Kangundo Road services continue beyond Ruai towards:
- Kamulu
- Joska
- Malaa
- Kantafu
- Other outer metropolitan destinations
A Route 39 vehicle displaying Ruai may terminate there. Passengers travelling farther should confirm whether the service continues or whether a transfer is required.
Useful Connections
Jogoo Road: Buruburu, Jericho and Donholm services.
Outer Ring Road: Umoja, Kayole, Embakasi and Dandora.
Kangundo Road: Njiru, Ruai and farther eastern destinations.
Njiru: Local residential and industrial connections.
Ruai: Eastern Bypass, Kamulu and Joska services.
Return Journey: Ruai to Nairobi
The general return journey is:
Ruai → Njiru → Kangundo Road → Outer Ring Road connection → Jogoo Road → Nairobi
Passengers should confirm whether the vehicle enters the CBD or terminates at Muthurwa or another central interchange.
Morning services towards Nairobi can become crowded, while evening demand generally increases towards Ruai.
Route 39 Travel Time
There is no fixed journey time between Nairobi and Ruai.
Travel conditions depend on:
- Congestion on Jogoo Road
- Outer Ring Road traffic
- Delays joining Kangundo Road
- Traffic in Njiru and Ruai
- Roadworks and traffic incidents
- Heavy rainfall
- Passenger loading
Allow additional time when travelling the entire corridor.
Route 39 Matatu Fares
Fares depend on the boarding point, destination, time and passenger demand. Fares vary and can change at any time.
Confirm whether the fare covers Ruai or only Njiru.
Route 39 Commuter Tips
- Look for Route 39 or 38/39—Ruai.
- Confirm that the vehicle continues beyond Njiru.
- Tell the conductor your exact Ruai stage.
- Check whether a transfer is required for Kamulu or Joska.
- Confirm the Nairobi-bound return terminus.
- Allow extra time during Eastlands peak traffic.
Why Route 39 Is Important
Route 39 provides an important link between Nairobi and Ruai through the Jogoo Road, Outer Ring Road and Kangundo Road corridors. It also gives passengers access to Njiru and onward services serving the rapidly expanding communities east of Nairobi.
