High Court Upholds Ban on Graffiti and Tinted Windows on Matatus
The High Court has ruled that graffiti, artistic designs, and tinted windows on public service vehicles are illegal.
In a decision delivered on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Justice Bahati Mwamuye dismissed a petition that had challenged the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) directive. The court backed NTSA’s position that these modifications must be removed to improve safety on Kenyan roads.
The ruling supports an enforcement notice issued by NTSA in May 2025. Operators of matatus fitted with heavy tinting, elaborate artwork, or graffiti now face the requirement to restore their vehicles to standard condition or risk penalties, including impounding. The court found that these rules do not violate constitutional rights and are necessary to protect passengers and other road users by improving visibility and reducing distractions.
Many matatu owners and fans of the popular “nganya” culture had opposed the directive, arguing it threatened a unique part of Kenya’s transport identity. However, the judge determined that public safety must come first. Clear windows and plain vehicle exteriors help drivers see better and allow traffic officers to monitor conditions inside the vehicles more easily.
This decision clears the way for NTSA to carry out nationwide enforcement. Matatu operators are expected to comply within the given timelines to avoid disruptions to their businesses. The outcome brings an end to a long debate over how much decoration should be allowed on public transport vehicles.
The ruling emphasises the importance of following safety standards in Kenya’s busy public transport sector. As authorities move to enforce the order, both operators and passengers will need to adjust to plainer-looking matatus focused on function and security rather than flashy appearances.
