President William Ruto has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to create an enabling environment for matatu operators to continue using artwork and graffiti on their vehicles.
Speaking at State House in Mombasa on May 22, Ruto said that the designs must, however, uphold road safety standards and respect for other road users.
“I have directed the NTSA to facilitate an enabling environment for matatu operators to continue utilizing artwork and graffiti on their vehicles in a manner that upholds safety and respect for other road users,” Ruto said.
Ruto Allows Use of Graffiti on Matatus
The President said the concern had been raised by industry players who were reportedly being required to remove all graffiti from their matatus.
“The industry is telling me that they have been told they must remove all graffiti from their matatus, and I’m asking myself why,” Ruto said.
He added that the use of graffiti is one way the recognize the role of creativity and self-expression in the transport sector.
This follows after the High Court on April 29, upheld the legality of NTSA directive requiring the removal of graffiti, artistic designs, and tinted windows from public service vehicles (PSVs).
Also Read: Court Clears NTSA to Crack Down on Graffiti and Tints in Matatus
Court Upholds Ban of Use of Graffiti on Matatus
Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the directive was constitutional, lawful, and properly grounded in public safety considerations.
The petition had been filed by Michael Makubo, who sought to nullify regulations and a National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) enforcement notice targeting decorated matatus.
“The petitioner has failed to establish any violation of his constitutional rights or the rights of the class he purports to represent,” read part of the judgement.
Also Read: NTSA Begins Nationwide Crackdown on Matatus with Graffiti
The court found that the restrictions placed on artistic expression through vehicle modifications were reasonable and justified under Article 24 of the Constitution, which permits the limitation of rights in the interest of public safety.
In its ruling, the judge held that the limitations imposed were constitutionally valid and served the compelling public interest of enhancing road safety.
The court further noted that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) notice had directed all public service vehicles with graffiti, tinted windows, or other artistic modifications to remove them immediately or face enforcement action.
The NTSA defended the directive as an administrative intervention aimed at improving vehicle visibility, strengthening passenger safety, and standardizing public transport operations.
