Nairobi’s Globe Cinema Roundabout is infamous for its relentless traffic jams, often testing the patience of even the most seasoned drivers. Amid the chaos, one man has risen to prominence as a beacon of hope for motorists: Eriko, popularly known as “Eriko was Rada.” Without any official title or formal training, Eriko has carved a niche for himself as an unofficial traffic marshal, earning the respect—and payments—of countless drivers who rely on his services daily.
Eriko’s day begins early and stretches late into the night. Perched at strategic locations near the roundabout, he monitors the flow of vehicles with laser-sharp focus. His mission is simple but critical: to help matatus, private cars, and heavy lorries navigate the bottlenecks and find the quickest routes. Armed with his extensive local knowledge and an almost uncanny ability to predict traffic patterns, Eriko has become a trusted ally for drivers trying to avoid hours of gridlock.
Unlike the conventional traffic marshals employed by the Nairobi City County, Eriko’s services are personalized and highly efficient. He receives hundreds of calls daily from matatu drivers and fleet operators seeking real-time traffic updates. While platforms like Google Maps offer general traffic information, they cannot match Eriko’s on-the-ground insights. This localized expertise has made him indispensable in Nairobi’s chaotic transport ecosystem.
A Lucrative Hustle
Eriko charges matatus KSh.50 per trip for his guidance, while larger public service vehicles pay KSh 100. These seemingly small amounts add up quickly, allowing him to earn more than many white-collar workers. Eriko candidly admits that few office jobs would offer him the financial stability and independence he enjoys through this unconventional hustle.
However, the job isn’t without its challenges. Eriko often faces friction with Nairobi’s official traffic marshals, who view his activities as encroachment on their duties. Additionally, his position near the roundabout has led to misunderstandings with some motorists and passengers, who mistakenly assume he is a petty thief rather than a service provider. These misconceptions occasionally put him in precarious situations, but his reputation among regular drivers has largely shielded him from serious trouble.
More Than a Job
For Eriko, his work is about more than just making money—it’s a calling. He takes pride in knowing that his efforts contribute to easing the daily frustrations of thousands of motorists. “Traffic in Nairobi is a nightmare,” he explains. “If I can help even a few drivers get to their destinations faster, I’ve done something meaningful.”
Eriko’s story is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Nairobi’s informal workforce. In a city where traffic congestion costs millions of shillings in lost productivity every day, individuals like Eriko offer a creative, community-driven solution to a persistent problem.
As Nairobi grapples with the challenges of urbanization and inadequate infrastructure, perhaps it’s time to recognize and formalize the contributions of individuals like Eriko. His work underscores the need for innovative approaches to urban traffic management—approaches that bridge the gap between technology, human expertise, and local realities.
