The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has decided to rein in the public transport sector, targeting matatus with artistic enhancements and graffiti.
In a notice published on MyGov on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the authority noted with concern how some public service vehicles (PSVs) were modified with graffiti, making it difficult to identify them by their sacco or company.
NTSA further indicated that the enhancements had made it difficult for various officers to establish the matatus’ designated routes and whether they have the mandatory yellow continuous line.
“The Authority has observed widespread non-compliance with these regulatory provisions, especially among commuter Public Service Vehicles. A notable number of vehicles have been modified through the application of graffiti and other unauthorized artistic enhancements, resulting in the inability to clearly identify the name of the Sacco or Company under which the vehicle operates, its designated route, or the mandatory continuous yellow line that distinguishes licensed PSVs,” the notice read in part.
The regulator further claimed that some matatus had gone to the extent of failing to display the NTSA operational sticker, thus eroding public trust in the PSV sector.
“Such contraventions violate the letter and spirit of the regulations and undermine public confidence in the PSV sector by creating ambiguity as to the licensed operator. Furthermore, a number of these motor vehicles have failed to conspicuously display the official NTSA operational sticker, or any other identifying mark issued by the Authority, rendering regulatory verification and enforcement ineffective,” the authority retorted.
Immediate orders
To restore order in the sector, NTSA directed all PSVs to conduct an immediate audit to make sure their vehicles adhere to stipulated traffic rules and regulations.
Failure to observe the rules, NTSA indicated that the vehicles would be impounded, suspended, or their licenses revoked.
“Considering the foregoing, all licensed public transport operators are hereby directed to conduct an immediate and comprehensive audit of their fleets to ensure full compliance with the requirements of the regulations.
“The Authority hereby gives NOTICE that all Public Service Vehicle operators are required to take immediate corrective action, failure to which regulatory measures will be instituted at the individual motor vehicle owner and operator level, including but not limited to vehicle impoundment, suspension, and revocation of the license,” NTSA made it clear.
