Matatu owners in Nairobi have been handed temporary reprieve after the court issued orders directing the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to release impounded vehicles.
Through a directive on Monday, February 3, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ordered NTSA to release the PSVs and return their confiscated registration plates pending a hearing and determination of the case.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the application, a conservatory order is hereby issued directing NTSA to return all confiscated registration plates to the affected matatus and release the impounded vehicles unless they are lawfully held under a valid court order,” the court order reads.
The directive came after the Nganya Association filed a case challenging the NTSA’s crackdown, which was termed ‘illegal’.
An image of a matatu with graffiti.
Photo
NTSA
Lawyer Danstan Omari, who was representing the Nganya Association, claimed that matatu owners suffered heavy losses as a result of NTSA’s enforcement measures, which have been in effect since January 21.
The court filing from the PSV owners claimed that operators were living in fear of their vehicles getting impounded on different infractions, prompting them to cease operations. The Nganya association also alleged that the newer models of PSV were being unfairly targeted.
“Due to these surprise crackdowns, our clients have been forced to park their vehicles in their in backyards rather than risk impoundment and prolonged stays at police stations. Even brand-new vehicles have been unfairly flagged under the punitive and discriminatory inspection measures,”
Among matatus that have been affected include those plying the Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Embakasi, Kiambu Road, and Thika Road routes.
Violations that the authority was keen on penalising included vehicles with excessive graffiti and artwork, overly bright fog lights, and tinted windows, especially on the driver’s side.
NTSA also recently revealed a list of the most dangerous roads in Nairobi, with Outering Road and Eastern Bypass leading the line.
Incidentally, one of the matatus which was recently impounded is attached to President William Ruto’s son.
Famously known as ‘Moneyfest’ the PSV was caught on video in December 2024 flouting different traffic regulations, including ferrying excessive passengers and using the wrong side of the road.
An image of a matatu plying the Rongai Route. PHOTO/ Courtesy.