RUTO ORDERS NTSA TO DROP MATATU GRAFFITI BAN

President William Ruto has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to halt its recent directive requiring customised Public Service Vehicle (PSV) to remove graffiti from their vehicles.

Ruto said that creativity and self-expression are vital components of Kenya’s unique transport culture and should be preserved, provided they do not compromise safety of the public.

“Recognizing the important role of creativity and self-expression within our transport culture, I have also directed the NTSA to facilitate an enabling environment for matatu operators to continue utilizing artwork and graffiti on their vehicles in a manner that upholds safety and respect for other road users,” President Ruto said.

The President publicly questioned the rationale behind the original directive, noting that he had heard directly from industry operators who felt unfairly targeted.

“The industry is telling me that they have been told they must remove all graffiti from their matatus, and I’m asking myself why,” he added.

The original NTSA directive had called for the removal of decals, stickers, and painted artwork from PSVs, sparking widespread concern among matatu owners, artists, and commuters who view the vibrant designs as a hallmark of Kenyan road culture.