NTSA cracks down on pimped matatus in new transport safety drive

Nairobi – The Kenyan government has ordered all public service vehicle (PSV) operators to carry out urgent audits of their fleets, in a fresh push to enforce transport laws amid growing concerns over non-compliant matatus.

In a directive issued on Monday, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) said it had observed a rise in illegal modifications most notably the widespread use of graffiti, bright colours, and tinted windows on matatus, especially in urban areas.

The changes, NTSA warned, are not only against regulation but have made it hard to identify key information such as the operator’s name, registered route, and the yellow stripe that marks a licensed PSV.

“All licensed public transport operators are hereby directed to conduct an immediate and comprehensive audit of their fleets,” the authority said in a public notice. “Failure to take corrective action will lead to regulatory measures, including impoundment and revocation of operating licences.”

The order is expected to hit hardest in Nairobi and Mombasa, where matatus many of them decked out with graffiti, flashing lights, and loud music have become cultural icons but often fall foul of traffic laws.

Some of the vehicles, according to NTSA, also lack the official operational sticker or other visual identifiers issued by the authority.

“Such contraventions violate both the letter and spirit of the PSV regulations,” the statement read. “They undermine public confidence in the sector by creating ambiguity over who the licensed operator is.”

The crackdown comes amid rising concerns about safety and accountability in the sector. Some passengers have welcomed the move, saying they often struggle to report rogue drivers because matatus are unmarked or heavily altered.

“You can’t even see the Sacco name on some of them. If there’s an incident, how are we supposed to report it?” said Peter Maina, a daily commuter in Nairobi.

Still, not everyone is pleased. Some matatu operators argue that the artwork is part of local culture and appeals to young passengers.

“It’s not just graffiti it’s expression,” said a conductor in Kayole, who asked not to be named. “We attract more customers this way. If they force us to repaint everything, we’ll lose business.”

NTSA, however, insists the rules are not about taste but about visibility, traceability, and public safety.

The latest directive echoes previous efforts by the government to bring order to Kenya’s often-chaotic public transport system, including past attempts to enforce seatbelt laws, limit vehicle speeds, and regulate noise levels in matatus.

It remains to be seen how strictly this new audit directive will be enforced, or how matatu owners many of whom invest heavily in custom designs will respond.

For now, the authority is giving operators little choice: either fix it or face the consequences.

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