President William Ruto has directed NTSA to stop its ban on matatu graffiti and tinted windows. The move follows consultations with public transport operators in Mombasa.
The directive provides relief to PSV operators and artists after a year of legal battles. Ruto emphasised preserving Kenya’s famous nganya transport culture.
“I have directed NTSA to allow artwork while upholding safety and respect for road users,” said Ruto. Operators can continue using graffiti under regulated conditions.
In May 2025, NTSA required removal of graffiti, artwork, and tinted windows. Non-compliance would lead to penalties including impoundment and licence suspension.
NTSA argued heavy artwork and dark tints obstruct visibility and hinder police monitoring. The authority said designs also obscured SACCO names and regulatory markings.
Matatu operators challenged the order, citing cultural and artistic rights violations. In April 2026, High Court Justice Bahati Mwamuye upheld NTSA’s directive for public safety.
Ruto expressed dismay at NTSA’s approach and asked why operators faced graffiti removal. NTSA must now pull back while retaining some regulatory control.
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