Kenya's public transport sector is mourning the death of Paul Mburu Kinyanjui Muthumbi, popularly known as Mbukinya, the founder of the iconic Mbukinya PSV Company, one of the country's oldest and most respected long-distance public transport operators.

According to family sources, Muthumbi passed away on July 20, 2026, bringing to a close a remarkable journey that spanned more than four decades in Kenya's transport industry.

He founded Mbukinya in 1983, building the company into a household name that has faithfully served passengers travelling between Nairobi, Western Kenya, and the Nyanza region. Despite the changing dynamics of the transport sector, the company has remained operational to date, a testament to the strong foundation and values he established.

For generations of Kenyans, the name Mbukinya became synonymous with affordable, reliable and safe travel. At a time when middle-income travellers often opted for services such as Akamba Bus or Wepesi Taxi, thousands of low-income passengers relied on Mbukinya because of its pocket-friendly fares, which were often negotiable, making travel accessible to many families, students, traders and workers.

Beyond affordability, Mbukinya earned a reputation for maintaining a commendable safety record, with relatively few accidents compared to many operators in the industry. This commitment to passenger safety helped build trust and loyalty among travellers for decades.

Outside the transport business, Paul Mburu Kinyanjui Muthumbi was widely respected as a community leader, Church Elder, devoted family man and dedicated servant of the people. Those who knew him describe him as a humble entrepreneur whose success was matched by his generosity and commitment to uplifting others.

His passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from former passengers, business associates and members of the public, many reminiscing about the role Mbukinya played in connecting families and making long-distance travel affordable during difficult economic times.

Social media has been flooded with nostalgic memories from Kenyans who recall boarding the familiar Mbukinya buses to visit relatives, attend school or conduct business across the country.

As the nation mourns the loss of one of Kenya's transport pioneers, many have described his legacy as one that will continue to live on through the company he founded and the millions of lives it touched over the years.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy in Kenya's public transport industry, having demonstrated that affordable transport, safety and service to humanity can coexist in business.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.

May Paul Mburu Kinyanjui Muthumbi rest in eternal peace, and may God grant his family, friends and the entire Mbukinya fraternity strength during this difficult time.