Ruto Issues New Orders on Removal of Artwork and Graffiti From Matatus

President William Ruto has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to facilitate an enabling environment that allows matatu operators to continue using artwork and graffiti on their vehicles, while ensuring safety and respect for other road users.

Speaking at a press briefing in Mombasa, Ruto said the government recognizes the important role of creativity and self-expression in Kenya’s transport culture.

“Recognizing 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 utilizing artwork and graffiti on their vehicles in a manner that upholds safety and respect for other road users,” said Ruto.

Ruto Urges NTSA to Allow Artwork and Graffiti on Matatus

He added that he had received concerns from stakeholders in the matatu industry suggesting that operators were being instructed to remove all graphics from their vehicles.

“The industry is telling me that they have been told they must remove all graphics from their matatus, and I’m asking myself why?” he said.

This directive comes after the NTSA ordered public service vehicles to remove graffiti, decorative artwork, and aftermarket tinted windows in May 2025.

Also Read: How to Get NTSA Digital Logbook in Kenya

The authority, led by Director-General George Njao, said operators who failed to comply would face penalties, including impoundment, suspension of operating licences, and revocation of access to the agency’s service portal.

Additionally, NTSA justified the order on safety grounds, arguing that heavy exterior artwork and dark window tinting obstructed drivers’ visibility and prevented police from monitoring vehicle interiors.

The authority also said the designs covered required markings, including registered SACCO names, assigned routes, and the regulatory yellow line used to identify public service vehicles.

However, the Matatu operators challenged the order at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, arguing that the ban violated the constitutional right to cultural and artistic expression.

Through lawyers, the operators also said the authority skipped proper public participation and offered no evidence linking vehicle graffiti to road accidents.

Court Dismisses Petition Against NTSA Directive on Matatu Graffiti

Elsewhere , on April 29 , 2026 ,the High Court dismissed a petition challenging the NTSA directive requiring public service vehicles (PSVs) to remove graffiti, decorative artwork, and tinted windows, defending Kenya’s popular nganya culture.

In a judgement delivered by Justice Bahati Mwamuye , he ruled that the directive was lawful and necessary to promote road safety and compliance in the public transport sector.

He noted that the petitioner had failed to prove any violation of constitutional rights, either personally or on behalf of the group he claimed to represent.

Also Read: High Court Clears NTSA Crackdown on Modified PSVs Nationwide

The judge held that restrictions on vehicle modifications were justified under Article 24 of the Constitution, which permits limitation of rights where public safety is involved.

He further noted that the government’s responsibility to ensure road safety outweighed claims that decorated PSVs were protected forms of artistic and cultural expression.

The petition had been filed by Michael Makubo, who argued that the directive unfairly targeted matatu operators and threatened nganya culture.

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President William Ruto speaking at a past function in State House, Nairobi. PHOTO/PCS