Pimped up Nairobi matatus breath easy, but no offensive graffiti
Matatus and buses in Nairobi can have graffiti as long as it is not offensive and does not extend to the windows.
National Transport and Safety Authority Director-General Francis Meja on Monday said the law allowed matatu owners to use innovative decorations, which included pictures, words or symbols.
He, however, said they should not be offensive or have reflective properties.
“Windows should not have any decorations. Sacco names should also be visible,” he said.
TV SCREENS
Mr Meja added that operators were allowed to install TV screens in vehicles but warned that action would be taken against those airing offensive and obscene content.
“We shall have special undercover teams to monitor what is aired,” he said.
He was speaking on Magadi Road on Monday during the crackdown on PSVs with offensive graffiti, noisy exhaust pipes and those playing loud music.
He said the operation would continue until order was restored.
PRESIDENT’S DIRECTIVE
Mr Meja, however, said the crackdown did not go against the President’s 2014 directive.
“NTSA and the Transport ministry came up with a legal notice allowing for innovative graffiti but with clear conditions,” he said.
According to the Act, the decorations could be pictures, words, or symbols on the body of the matatu.
“Having many lights on the body of the vehicle can be risky because other motorists may not notice that the car wants to turn in a particular direction,” he added.
