President William Ruto has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to allow matatu operators to continue displaying graffiti and artistic artwork on public service vehicles, signalling government support for Kenya’s vibrant matatu culture despite ongoing regulation debates.
Speaking during a live address from State House in Mombasa on Friday, the President said the government would support creative expression in the transport sector while ensuring that safety standards and respect for other road users are maintained.
“Recognising the important role of creativity and self-expression within our transport culture, I have directed NTSA to facilitate an enabling environment for matatu operators to continue utilising artwork and graffiti on their vehicles,” said the President.
The directive is likely to reignite discussions surrounding regulation of the matatu industry, particularly after the High Court recently upheld NTSA rules controlling graffiti, tinted windows and decorative lighting on public service vehicles.
Petitioners in the earlier case had argued that the regulations threatened Kenya’s internationally recognised matatu culture and artistic identity. However, the court ruled that NTSA acted within its legal mandate to promote road safety and visibility standards.
President Ruto issued the directive as part of a broader package of measures announced following consultations with transport sector stakeholders amid the ongoing fuel crisis and unrest within the public transport industry.
- NTSA orders removal of graffiti and tinted windows from matatus
- Court upholds NTSA ban on matatu graffiti and tinted windows
Among the interventions, the President said the Ministry of Transport would hold discussions with banks and financial institutions to explore temporary relief for operators struggling to service vehicle loans.
He also instructed the Ministry, alongside the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), to address persistent disputes involving insurance claims affecting public transport operators.
In addition, the President ordered a review of the Insurance Act and the Auctioneers Act within the next three months in a bid to create what he described as a fairer and more responsive environment for transport operators.
Ruto further directed NTSA to engage digital taxi companies and drivers operating under ride-hailing platforms to develop regulations on minimum taxi fares and resolve long-standing concerns within the sector.
The latest announcement comes at a time when the government is under increasing pressure to respond to rising fuel prices and mounting frustrations among transport operators across the country.
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