President William Ruto has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority to allow matatu operators to continue decorating their vehicles with graffiti and artwork, in a move likely to excite Kenya’s vibrant matatu industry.
Speaking from State House in Mombasa on Friday, Ruto said the government recognises the role matatu culture plays in creativity, youth expression and the country’s urban identity.
“Recognising 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 utilising artwork and graffiti on their vehicles,” the President said.
The announcement comes months after debates emerged regarding regulations surrounding graffiti on the vehicles, window tinting and flashy lights on public service vehicles.
Back then, the High Court ruled in favour of NTSA regulations that sought to regulate the excesses of matatus by declaring that the Authority was indeed within its powers when introducing such regulations for purposes of ensuring road safety.
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The ruling received alot of resistance from the owners of the matatus and proponents of Kenya’s popular “nganya” culture, as it posed danger to one of Nairobi’s well-known forms of urban street culture.
For young people in Kenya, the painted matatus have come to be more than mere modes of transportation. They are mobile pieces of artwork, usually adorned with pictures of singers, footballers, politicians and other international celebrities among others.
Ruto’s directive is now expected to offer relief to operators who feared stricter enforcement against decorated matatus.
President was commented on various measures put in place by the government to address the various issues facing the transport sector against the backdrop of increased fuel costs and disruption in the public transport system.
These included discussions to be undertaken between the Ministry of Transport and various financial institutions concerning how to assist operators who are finding it difficult to service their car loans.
Moreover, he instructed the Ministry and the Insurance Regulatory Authority to look into the issue of insurance that is currently being faced by matatu operators.
Finally, the President said that the two laws, the Insurance Act and the Auctioneers Act, were to undergo review in the next three months with an objective of creating a more enabling environment for the transport sector.
Finally, Ruto said that the NTSA would hold consultations with ride-hailing firms and digital taxi operators regarding the minimum cost of taxis.
The latest announcement is likely to spark fresh debate between road safety regulators and supporters of Kenya’s colourful matatu culture, which many see as part of the country’s creative identity.
