Route 40 connects Nairobi CBD with Mbagathi and Ngumo through the Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi Way corridor. It serves residents, hospital visitors, students, workers and passengers travelling to Nairobi’s southern inner-city neighbourhoods.
← View all Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers
Passengers should look for vehicles displaying Route 40—Mbagathi/Ngumo and confirm the final stage before boarding. Some matatus using Mbagathi Way terminate at KNH, Highrise or another nearby destination.
Route 40 Quick Information
| Route information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route number | 40 |
| Main destinations | Mbagathi and Ngumo |
| Principal corridor | Mbagathi Way |
| Major landmark | Kenyatta National Hospital |
| Nearby connections | Kenyatta Market and Highrise |
| Return direction | Ngumo/Mbagathi–Nairobi |
Identifying the Correct Route 40
Passengers should look for destination displays such as:
- 40 – MBAGATHI
- 40 – NGUMO
- 40 – MBAGATHI/NGUMO
Confirm whether the vehicle terminates in Mbagathi or continues to Ngumo.
Where to Board Route 40
Route 40 matatus operate from Nairobi stages serving Kenyatta National Hospital, Mbagathi Way, Mbagathi and Ngumo.
CBD loading arrangements may change. Ask specifically for Route 40 rather than joining a general KNH or Mbagathi queue.
Simplified Route 40 Journey
The general journey is:
Nairobi CBD → Community/Upper Hill connection → Kenyatta National Hospital → Mbagathi Way → Mbagathi → Kenyatta Market connection → Ngumo
The exact intermediate roads and stages depend on the operator.
Kenyatta National Hospital
Kenyatta National Hospital is one of the most important landmarks along Route 40.
Passengers visiting KNH should identify the entrance or department required and ask for the nearest recognised stage.
Traffic around the hospital can become heavy during weekday working hours.
Mbagathi Way
Mbagathi Way is the principal corridor used by Route 40.
It provides access to:
- Kenyatta National Hospital
- Mbagathi Hospital
- Nyayo Highrise
- Kenyatta Market
- Ngumo
- Kibera connections
- Lang’ata Road connections
Passengers should tell the conductor their exact stage.
Mbagathi
Mbagathi refers to the wider area around Mbagathi Way, Mbagathi Hospital and nearby residential and commercial destinations.
Passengers travelling to Mbagathi Hospital should confirm the most convenient dropping point and allow time to reach the required entrance.
Kenyatta Market Connection
Kenyatta Market is an important commercial and transport landmark near the Ngumo and Mbagathi corridor.
The area provides connections towards:
- Ngumo
- Kibera
- Highrise
- Mbagathi
- Ngong Road
- Other surrounding neighbourhoods
Ngumo
Ngumo is the main outer destination associated with Route 40.
The estate contains residential sections, businesses, schools and local stages. Passengers should identify their preferred estate entrance, road or landmark.
Some Route 40 vehicles may terminate before entering every section of Ngumo.
Route 40 Compared with Route 33 Ngumo
Routes 40 and the Ngumo variant of Route 33 serve similar areas:
| Route | General coverage |
|---|---|
| Route 40 | KNH, Mbagathi Way, Mbagathi and Ngumo |
| Route 33 Ngumo | KNH, Kenyatta Market and Ngumo |
Local roads and termini may differ. Passengers should select the service providing the closest stop to their destination.
Route 40 Compared with Route 16
Route 16 and Route 40 also share part of the Mbagathi Way corridor:
- Route 16: Primarily serves Nyayo Highrise.
- Route 40: Serves Mbagathi and Ngumo.
Passengers should confirm the estate name displayed before boarding.
Main Route 40 Areas and Connections
Route 40 serves or provides access to:
- Nairobi CBD
- Community and Upper Hill connections
- Kenyatta National Hospital
- Mbagathi Way
- Mbagathi Hospital
- Nyayo Highrise connections
- Kenyatta Market
- Ngumo
Return Journey to Nairobi
The return journey generally follows:
Ngumo → Mbagathi/Kenyatta Market connection → Mbagathi Way → KNH → Nairobi CBD
Passengers should confirm the Nairobi terminus because vehicles may end at different central stages.
Morning demand is generally stronger towards Nairobi, while evening services become busier towards Mbagathi and Ngumo.
Route 40 Travel Time
There is no fixed journey time.
Travel conditions depend on:
- Congestion within Nairobi
- Traffic around KNH
- Delays along Mbagathi Way
- Hospital and market activity
- Estate traffic near Ngumo
- Roadworks, incidents and rainfall
Allow additional time when travelling for a medical appointment, class or work shift.
Route 40 Matatu Fares
Fares depend on the boarding point, destination, time and passenger demand. Fares vary and can change at any time.
Confirm whether the quoted fare covers Ngumo or only the Mbagathi section.
Route 40 Commuter Tips
- Look for Route 40—Mbagathi/Ngumo.
- Confirm whether the vehicle continues to Ngumo.
- Tell the conductor your exact destination.
- Ask for the closest stop when visiting KNH or Mbagathi Hospital.
- Compare Route 40 with Route 33 Ngumo for the most convenient stage.
- Confirm the Nairobi-bound return terminus.
Why Route 40 Is Important
Route 40 connects Nairobi CBD with major hospitals, markets and residential communities along Mbagathi Way. Its service to Mbagathi and Ngumo gives commuters another option alongside Routes 16 and 33 while supporting access to essential medical and employment destinations.
