Kitale is one of the main public transport destinations in Kenya’s North Rift region, with matatus, shuttles and long-distance buses connecting the town to Nairobi.
Located in Trans Nzoia County, Kitale is served by operators including 2NK Sacco, North Rift Shuttle, Great Rift Shuttle and several long-distance bus companies.
Passengers travelling from Nairobi can board at different locations within the CBD, depending on the operator.
Those travelling into the city centre to connect with an intercity vehicle can consult the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers directory for information about local routes and stages.
Where to Board Kitale Matatus in Nairobi
Kitale-bound shuttles and buses operate from company-specific booking offices and departure stages in Nairobi.
1. North Rift Shuttle — Mfangano Street
North Rift Shuttle is one of the operators serving Kitale, Eldoret and other North Rift destinations.
Nairobi boarding location: Mfangano Trade Centre, Mfangano Lane, behind Afya Centre, Nairobi CBD.
Passengers approaching from Tom Mboya Street can use Afya Centre as a landmark before locating the booking office.
Publicly listed contact: 0722 620 583.
Travellers should confirm the current boarding point when booking.
2. 2NK Sacco — Nairobi CBD
2NK Sacco operates regular and executive shuttle services connecting Nairobi with Kitale.
The operator also serves several towns along the wider Rift Valley corridor, including Naivasha, Nakuru and Eldoret.
Nairobi boarding location: Confirm the designated Kitale departure stage with 2NK when booking.
Passengers can consult the operator’s published routes and fares for service information.
3. Great Rift Shuttle — Mfangano Street
Great Rift Shuttle is another operator listed on the Nairobi–Kitale route.
Nairobi boarding area: Mfangano Trade Centre, Mfangano Street.
Publicly listed contacts: 0721 402 777 and 0705 653 737.
Passengers should confirm the current Kitale departure service and boarding location before paying.
4. Easy Coach — Railways
Easy Coach operates intercity buses serving several destinations in western Kenya and the Rift Valley, including Kitale.
Nairobi boarding location: Railways Godowns, Haile Selassie Avenue, near Nairobi Railway Station.
Passengers should confirm departure times and the availability of direct Kitale services through the operator’s booking channels.
Nairobi to Kitale Matatu Fares
The cost of travelling from Nairobi to Kitale varies depending on the operator, vehicle class and travel date.
The following table provides published and indicative fares.
| Operator | Fare |
|---|---|
| 2NK regular shuttle | KSh 1,200 |
| 2NK executive shuttle | KSh 1,500 |
| North Rift Shuttle | Around KSh 1,600 |
| Great Rift Shuttle | Around KSh 1,500 |
| Easy Coach | Around KSh 1,600–1,700 |
The 2NK prices are taken from its published fare schedule. The other figures are third-party online estimates and should be confirmed directly with the operators.
Fares can increase during weekends, school holidays and festive travel periods.
Passengers should therefore confirm the ticket price before travelling.
Route from Nairobi to Kitale
Most Nairobi–Kitale services travel through Nakuru and Eldoret before continuing towards Trans Nzoia County.
The main route is:
Nairobi → Rironi → Naivasha → Gilgil → Nakuru → Salgaa → Timboroa → Burnt Forest → Eldoret → Moi’s Bridge → Kitale
The journey follows the main Nairobi–Nakuru highway before continuing through the North Rift.
For more information about the road network used by intercity vehicles leaving Nairobi, see the Nairobi Major Roads and Transport Corridors guide.
How Long Does Nairobi to Kitale Take?
The Nairobi–Kitale journey generally takes approximately 6½ to 8 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops.
2NK lists an estimated travel time of six hours and thirty minutes.
Other operators may take longer, particularly when vehicles stop to pick up or drop off passengers along the highway.
Traffic around Nakuru, Salgaa and Eldoret can also affect arrival times.
Passengers travelling during the December festive season should allow additional time.
Where Do Nairobi to Kitale Matatus Stop?
Kitale-bound shuttles and buses generally terminate at their respective company offices or designated passenger stages within Kitale town.
Arrival points vary between operators.
Passengers travelling beyond Kitale should confirm whether their vehicle terminates in the town centre or whether an onward connection will be necessary.
Connecting From Kitale to Other Towns
Kitale is an important transport interchange for passengers travelling across Trans Nzoia County and neighbouring areas.
Onward public transport connections are available towards destinations including:
- Kiminini
- Endebess
- Kapenguria
- Moi’s Bridge
- Eldoret
- Bungoma
- Kakamega
2NK also publishes Kitale connections to Bungoma and Kakamega.
Passengers travelling to smaller towns and rural centres should confirm the appropriate local stage after arriving in Kitale.
Should You Travel Directly or Connect Through Eldoret?
Passengers travelling from Nairobi to Kitale can either board a direct service or travel to Eldoret and connect to another vehicle.
A direct Nairobi–Kitale shuttle is generally more convenient because it avoids changing vehicles and transferring luggage in Eldoret.
However, passengers who miss a direct departure may find connecting services through Eldoret useful.
Before choosing a connecting journey, compare the combined fare and expected waiting time with the available direct services.
Nairobi to Kitale at a Glance
Destination: Kitale, Trans Nzoia County
Nairobi boarding areas: Mfangano Street, Afya Centre area and Railways, depending on operator
Main operators: North Rift Shuttle, 2NK Sacco, Great Rift Shuttle and Easy Coach
2NK regular fare: KSh 1,200
2NK executive fare: KSh 1,500
Other indicative fares: Approximately KSh 1,500–1,700
Estimated journey time: 6½–8 hours
Main corridor: Nairobi–Nakuru–Eldoret–Kitale
Arrival: Operator-specific stage or booking office in Kitale
Important Travel Information
Matatu and shuttle fares, departure schedules and boarding stages may change without notice.
Passengers should confirm the operator’s identity, departure point, ticket price and arrival location before making payments.
During busy travel periods, advance booking through verified operator channels may help passengers secure seats and avoid unnecessary delays.