President William Ruto has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to suspend its plan to remove graffiti from matatus. The directive follows a High Court ruling that upheld the authority's earlier order. Ruto made the announcement at State House Mombasa after talks with transport stakeholders.
President Ruto said he had directed NTSA to create conditions allowing matatu owners to retain artistic drawings and graffiti provided they meet safety standards.
NTSA issued its removal order in May 2025 covering external decorations and tinted windows. On April 29 2026 the High Court dismissed a petition by matatu owners against the order.
Ruto expressed dissatisfaction and noted that owners had told him they were ordered to remove the graffiti. NTSA had defended the measure on road safety grounds.
