The government has launched a crackdown on matatus and other public service vehicles (PSVs) featuring graffiti, tinted windows, and other unauthorized modifications, warning that non-compliant operators risk suspension, vehicle impoundment, or even revocation of their licenses.

In a notice issued Tuesday, May 27, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) said it had observed “widespread non-compliance” with the 2014 PSV Regulations, especially concerning exterior decoration and branding rules.

“A notable number of vehicles have been modified through the application of graffiti and other unauthorized artistic enhancements. These modifications have made it difficult to identify the Sacco or company operating the vehicle, its designated route, or the mandatory yellow line that distinguishes licensed PSVs,” NTSA said.

The authority noted that in many cases, operators had obscured or completely removed the NTSA operational stickers and vehicle identifiers, making enforcement efforts difficult.

Among the key violations flagged are:

• Vehicles bearing reflective, painted, or sprayed decorations on windows and windscreens.

• Tinted or obscured driver, co-driver, or passenger windows.

• Lack of uniform Sacco/company branding across fleets.

• Addition of extra lighting beyond what the manufacturer installed.

  Under Regulation 7 of the PSV Operations Regulations, operators are required to boldly display the name of the Sacco or company in large letters on all sides of the vehicle. These names should be visible from at least 275 meters away during the day.

“The name and brand identity of the licensed operator must always remain the most visible and dominant marking on the vehicle,” NTSA said. “Franchise or partner branding must never overshadow the main operator’s identity.”

Fleet audit ordered

As part of the enforcement push, NTSA has directed all licensed public transport operators to immediately audit their fleets. They must remove any unauthorized decorations and ensure all branding complies with regulatory guidelines.

Drivers and conductors must also wear the prescribed uniforms and carry valid PSV badges and driving licenses corresponding to the class of vehicle they operate.

The authority also emphasized that all music played during trips must stay within the allowed volume limits.

Licensing lapses and tech reminders

In addition to graffiti and branding concerns, NTSA flagged several cases of vehicles operating with expired inspection certificates, invalid Road Service Licences (RSLs), or unlicensed drivers.

To address this, the Authority has begun sending SMS alerts to vehicle owners and drivers, directing them to the NTSA Service Portal to apply for or renew RSLs, PSV badges, and inspection appointments.

“Failure to comply will attract regulatory action at the vehicle and operator level,” NTSA warned. “This includes but is not limited to impoundment, suspension, and withdrawal of access to the NTSA Service Portal.”

In Kenya, the matatu decoration and modification industry is booming, providing employment to graffiti artists, sound engineers, and video technicians. This creative economy has given rise to a fleet of highly customized PSVs, often turned into moving works of art.

These matatus feature high-tech entertainment systems, flashy decorative lighting, and uniquely styled exteriors showcasing a mix of faces, themes, and pop culture representations.

The trend has birthed what is now known as Matwana or mamtu culture, with certain routes, like Rongai, gaining a reputation for hosting some of the most flamboyant and audacious rides. It’s no surprise that the phrase “Mat za Ronga ni noma” (Rongai matatus are wild) has become so popular.

About two weeks ago, a matatu nicknamed Uppercut made headlines after it was caught on video speeding on the highway. Youths were seen dangerously hanging out of the moving vehicle, performing hair-raising stunts. The same matatu was later reported to have been involved in an accident that resulted in casualties.