NTSA has issued a stern warning following a viral video that has been doing rounds on social media, showing a female matatu tout entertaining passengers while the vehicle was in motion. The clip, which many online users described as “creative” and “fun,” has instead raised serious safety concerns from the country’s top road safety regulator.
In a strongly worded statement, NTSA termed the act “extremely dangerous,” cautioning that one wrong move could easily result in severe injuries or even death. According to the authority, such behavior exposes passengers and the tout herself to risks including being hit by passing vehicles or falling off the moving matatu.
“This may look cool and entertaining to some people, but this is extremely dangerous,” NTSA stated.
To the lady in the video, NTSA reminded her that life is worth far more than a few seconds of social media clout a message that resonated widely online as Kenyans debated the fine line between entertainment and recklessness.
Drivers were also put on notice. NTSA emphasized that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers remain safely inside the vehicle at all times and that doors are properly secured. Failure to do so, the authority warned, is a serious violation of traffic and safety regulations.
Adding more weight to the matter, NTSA confirmed it will follow up with the matatu sacco involved and promised to update the public on the action taken. The move signals yet another crackdown on unsafe practices in the public transport sector, especially those amplified by the race for viral fame.