NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to develop a framework that allows matatu operators to retain artwork and graffiti on their vehicles, signalling a policy shift following a recent High Court ruling that upheld restrictions on public service vehicle (PSV) modifications.
The directive seeks to strike a balance between preserving Kenya’s vibrant transport culture and maintaining road safety standards.
Ruto said matatu graffiti, widely associated with the country’s “nganya” culture, represents an important form of creative expression that should be accommodated within regulated limits.
“Recognising the important role of creativity and self-expression within our transport culture, I have directed NTSA to facilitate an enabling environment for matatu operators to continue utilising artwork and graffiti on their vehicles in a manner that upholds safety and respect for other road users,” he said.
The move comes after NTSA had intensified enforcement against PSV modifications, including graffiti, tinted windows, decorative lighting and other customisations, citing safety and standardisation concerns.
In April, the High Court upheld the legality of NTSA’s enforcement notice, ruling that the directive was constitutional and justified on public safety grounds.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye dismissed a petition challenging the regulations, finding no violation of constitutional rights.
“The petitioner has failed to establish any violation of his constitutional rights or the rights of the class he purports to represent,” the judge ruled.
The court determined that the restrictions were reasonable under Article 24 of the Constitution, which permits the limitation of rights in the interest of public safety.
“The limitations they impose on constitutional rights are reasonable and justifiable under Article 24 for the compelling public interest of road safety,” Mwamuye said.
The petition had argued that the NTSA directive was unconstitutional, discriminatory and introduced without sufficient public participation, warning that it threatened the survival of Kenya’s distinctive matatu culture.
However, the court found that the measures were lawful administrative actions aimed at improving visibility, passenger safety and compliance within the transport sector.
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“The NTSA notice is a lawful administrative reminder of existing legal obligations,” the ruling stated.
Ruto’s directive now introduces a policy recalibration, suggesting the government may seek a middle ground that preserves cultural expression while enforcing safety regulations.
Analysts say the move reflects broader recognition of the economic and cultural significance of the matatu sector, particularly in urban areas where customised vehicles have become a symbol of youth culture and creative enterprise.
The extent to which NTSA’s new framework will relax or redefine existing restrictions remains unclear, with stakeholders expected to engage in consultations to determine acceptable standards for vehicle modifications.
