Matatus with graffiti face license revocation – NTSA warns
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a strong warning to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators, especially matatus, over persistent violations of safety and identification regulations.
The Authority has signalled possible license suspensions or revocations for operators who fail to comply with the law.
In a public notice issued Friday, June 27, 2025, the NTSA cited “widespread non-compliance” with key parts of the Operations of Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, particularly under paragraphs 7 (j, l, m, n, o, and p).
“A notable number of vehicles have been modified through the application of graffiti and other unauthorised artistic enhancements,” the Authority stated, adding that such practices interfere with vehicle identification and regulatory tracking.
The NTSA observed that these visual alterations obscure critical details such as the PSV’s Sacco name, official route, and the continuous yellow line, all of which are required by law to be clearly visible.
“These 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,” the notice read.
In addition, some vehicles reportedly operate without the official NTSA sticker or other necessary markings. This, the Authority noted, “renders regulatory verification and enforcement ineffective.”
To address the issue, NTSA has directed all PSV operators to perform an immediate audit of their fleets. Operators must rectify any non-compliance or face regulatory sanctions.
“All Public Service Vehicle operators are required to take immediate corrective action,” NTSA warned.
“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.”
The Authority urged all stakeholders to visit the NTSA website to download the complete notice.
“A detailed Public Notice containing further directions to Public Transport Operators is available,” the statement added.
Operators seeking guidance are advised to visit the nearest NTSA office or reach out via email
