The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
President William Ruto has instructed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to allow matatus to continue operating with graffiti and creative artwork on their bodies.
The President said the government should create a supportive environment that allows operators to use artistic branding, as long as it does not compromise road safety or disrespect other motorists.
“I have also directed NTSA to create a conducive environment for matatus to continue using artwork and graffiti on their vehicles while maintaining safety and consideration for other road users,” he said.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Ruto’s remarks follow concerns raised by stakeholders in the matatu sector over orders requiring operators to remove graffiti and decorative designs from their vehicles.
“The industry is telling me they have been instructed to remove all graffiti from matatus, and I keep asking myself why,” the President stated.
The directive comes just weeks after the High Court upheld an NTSA order requiring public service vehicles (PSVs) to remove graffiti, artistic decorations, and tinted windows.
The ruling was seen as a setback to supporters of Kenya’s popular “Nganya” culture, known for brightly decorated matatus fitted with graffiti, flashy lighting, tinted windows, and powerful sound systems.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, the court dismissed a petition challenging the NTSA directive issued in May last year, ruling that it was constitutional and aimed at enhancing public safety.
The case had been filed by Michael Makubo, who argued that the directive was discriminatory, unconstitutional, and introduced without sufficient public participation.
He further claimed the crackdown threatened the Nganya culture, which has become a major form of urban artistic expression in Kenya.
However, the court ruled that the petitioner had failed to prove any violation of constitutional rights and noted that the regulations had been lawfully introduced after public participation and parliamentary review.
