The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a stern directive to all matatu operators across Kenya, ordering the immediate removal of graffiti and tinted windows from public service vehicles (PSVs).
The authority has warned that non-compliance will result in severe penalties, including vehicle impoundment and restricted access to NTSA services.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NTSA Director-General George Njao emphasized that the move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and ensure uniformity in the public transport sector.
“Graffiti and tinted windows on matatus pose significant safety risks, including reduced visibility for drivers and challenges in identifying vehicles involved in incidents,” Njao said. “We are committed to enforcing regulations that prioritize the safety of passengers and other road users.”
The directive targets the vibrant, often flamboyant designs that have become a hallmark of Kenya’s matatu culture, as well as heavily tinted windows that obscure the interiors of vehicles.
According to the NTSA, tinted windows make it difficult for law enforcement to monitor activities inside matatus, potentially enabling illegal activities or compromising passenger safety.
Meanwhile, graffiti is seen as a distraction that can obscure critical vehicle markings, such as route details and registration numbers. Matatu operators have been given a 14-day ultimatum to comply with the new rules.
Failure to remove graffiti and tinted windows by June 11, 2025, will result in the immediate impoundment of non-compliant vehicles and the suspension of access to NTSA services, including license renewals and vehicle inspections.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders in the matatu industry. Some operators argue that the vibrant designs are a form of cultural expression and a key attraction for passengers, particularly younger commuters.
“Graffiti is what makes matatus unique,” said James Mwangi, a matatu driver operating on the Nairobi–Ngong route. “It’s an art form that reflects our creativity and draws customers. Removing it feels like stripping away our identity.”
However, others have welcomed the directive, citing safety concerns. “Tinted windows make it hard to see what’s happening inside a matatu, especially at night,” said Grace Atieno, a regular commuter. “I think this will make travel safer, especially for women.”
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has called for dialogue with the NTSA to address operators’ concerns while ensuring compliance with safety standards. “We understand the need for regulation, but this is a drastic measure that affects our livelihoods,” said MOA Chairman Simon Kimutai.
Kimutai also stated that the association is requesting a meeting with the NTSA to explore alternatives, such as regulated designs or partial tinting that meets safety standards.
Notably, this is not the first time the NTSA has targeted matatu aesthetics. Previous crackdowns on loud music, overloading, and unroadworthy vehicles have met with varying degrees of success. The authority insists that the latest directive aligns with the Traffic Act and NTSA regulations, which prioritize passenger safety and public order.
As the deadline approaches, enforcement teams will conduct nationwide inspections to ensure compliance. The NTSA has urged matatu operators to act swiftly to avoid disruptions to their operations. For now, Kenya’s colorful and iconic matatu culture faces a significant transformation, raising questions about the balance between safety and cultural expression in the country’s public transport sector.
– By Jeremiah Richu
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
