NTSA begins crackdown on matatus with noisy exhausts, graffiti

Matatu operators have been warned to stay clear off the roads from today if they have not complied with the newly released set of guidelines by the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA).

The guidelines which were revisited on Friday gave the operators three days to comply before they find themselves on the wrong side of the law as the crackdown begins today.

NTSA has said enforcement of the regulations will start today to weed off operators who will not have complied with the set regulations.

A noisy exhaust pipe. Matatu operators have been warned to stay clear off the roads from today if they have not complied with the newly released set of guidelines by the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA). (PHOTO: COURTESY)

As part of the regulations spelt out by NTSA Chair Lee Kinyanjui, matatus and buses with noisy horns, exhaust pipes and elaborate graffiti obscuring important details on their sacco ownership of the vehicle were asked to have these modifications removed.

However till yesterday, many matatus were still operating as they were with no regard of the looming deadline.

"We are not leaving anything to chance as the crackdown begins as we expect compliance to every detail of the regulations," said Dominic Kabiru Communication Director NTSA to The Standard.

Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Chairman Simon Kimutai down played the threats on crackdown saying it is clear sign of lack of coordination between the authority and the traffic police.

"There is no need to announce a crackdown when the rules you are enforcing are not new. These are regulations that have been always known. Besides, NTSA is regulator not an enforcer hence they should leave the work to the police," said Kimutai

The chair further noted that some aspects of the regulations are just out to disrupt the normal running of the matatu business: "Issues like graffiti were already addressed by the president and our members are in compliance as it is a major source of income for our artists. Why then should they come out and claim a crackdown on such?"

NTSA however said besides having communicated with Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Sacco owners prior to today's exercise, the authority is still going to engage them further to evaluate the efforts made towards compliance.