High Court Upholds NTSA Ban on Graffiti and Tinted Windows in PSVs
News Updated: 29 April 2026 16:17 EAT
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The High Court has upheld a directive issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) requiring public service vehicles (PSVs) to remove graffiti, artistic designs and tinted windows, in a ruling delivered on April 29, 2026.
The judgment dismissed a constitutional petition that had challenged the legality of the directive introduced in May 2025, with the court finding that NTSA acted within its statutory mandate.
The court held that the authority is legally empowered to regulate the PSV sector and enforce standards aimed at ensuring safety, order and accountability in public transport.
Judges noted that the directive was lawful and reasonably connected to NTSA’s role of maintaining road safety and regulating vehicle compliance.
Under the directive, matatus fitted with graffiti, decorative artwork or tinted windows are required to remove them or face enforcement action, including possible impoundment or suspension of operating licences.
NTSA argued that such modifications were unauthorised and had contributed to widespread non-compliance within the PSV industry.
The authority further stated that excessive graffiti often obscures key vehicle identifiers, including SACCO names, route markings and regulatory details required for monitoring.
Tinted windows were also flagged as a security concern, as they limit visibility into vehicles and complicate surveillance by law enforcement agencies.
Petitioners had argued that the directive was unconstitutional, discriminatory and introduced without adequate public participation.
They also maintained that the ban threatened the popular “nganya” culture, known for its vibrant graffiti, lighting and customised designs.
However, the court ruled that the petitioners failed to demonstrate any violation of constitutional rights and found that the restrictions were justified in the interest of public safety.
The ruling paves the way for full enforcement of the directive nationwide, reinforcing NTSA’s ongoing reforms aimed at standardising operations and improving safety in Kenya’s matatu sector.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD