NTSA targets matatus with graffiti in new crackdown
NTSA pointed out that many commuter vehicles have been altered with graffiti and art that cover important details like the Sacco or company name.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a stern warning to all public transport operators after finding widespread breaches of PSV regulations, especially involving graffiti, missing route details, and lack of clear identification.
In a public notice, NTSA pointed out that many commuter vehicles have been altered with graffiti and art that cover important details like the Sacco or company name, their route, and the required yellow line that marks legal PSVs.
"This kind of decoration is not allowed. It makes it hard to tell who owns or runs the vehicle," said NTSA.
The authority also found that some vehicles lack the required NTSA operational sticker and other marks that help identify them. It said this makes monitoring and enforcing the law difficult.
"These actions go against the rules and weaken public trust in the transport system," the notice read.
All PSV operators have now been told to inspect their vehicles immediately and fix any issues.
NTSA warned that failure to do so will lead to tough action, including seizing vehicles or cancelling licenses.
Early this year, several non-compliant matatus were impounded, and their operators arrested in an ongoing crackdown by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and police in Nairobi and Kiambu counties.
The operation targeted PSVs—commonly known as Nganyas—that are notorious for violating road safety regulations.
To restore order on Nairobi’s roads, NTSA said the focus was on PSVs with excessive graffiti, bright fog lights, and dangerously tinted windows, especially on the driver’s side.
This crackdown follows concerns raised online by Kenyans who shared videos showing PSVs flouting traffic rules, including dangerous overtaking maneuvers.
During the operation, several matatus were impounded, and their operators arrested for various violations.
The suspects were later released on cash bail and are expected to appear in court on Monday, January 27.
NTSA has identified specific routes with the highest number of offenders, including those serving Ngong, Rongai, Eastlands (Umoja, Buruburu, Kayole), and Kitengela—areas linked to a rise in safety infractions.
Images and videos circulating online highlight the risks posed by these rogue matatus, including one showing a heavily tinted windscreen covered with graffiti, leaving only a narrow gap for the driver’s view.
