The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a stern warning to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators, threatening to suspend or revoke licenses for non-compliance with vehicle appearance and safety regulations.

In a statement dated Tuesday, May 27, the Authority raised concern over a growing trend among PSVs, particularly matatus, of using unauthorised graffiti and artistic modifications that obscure essential vehicle identifiers. NTSA noted that these enhancements often make it difficult to identify the SACCO or company a vehicle belongs to, its route, and even the required continuous yellow line that legally distinguishes PSVs.

“The Authority has observed widespread non-compliance with these regulatory provisions,” the notice read. “A notable number of vehicles have been modified through graffiti and other unauthorised artistic enhancements, rendering enforcement and identification efforts ineffective.”

Additionally, NTSA reported that many PSVs have failed to properly display the operational sticker mandated for regulatory verification, further complicating enforcement.

As part of its directive, NTSA ordered all PSV operators to immediately audit their fleets and ensure compliance with the regulations. Failure to do so, the Authority warned, would result in severe penalties, including the impoundment of vehicles and revocation of licenses.

“All PSV operators are required to take immediate corrective action. Failure to comply will result in regulatory action at the individual vehicle owner and operator level,” NTSA emphasized.

This latest directive comes just two months after the Authority suspended the operating license of Super Metro, one of the most popular PSV companies in Nairobi, over a string of non-compliance issues following an inspection of its fleet.

The NTSA says the latest crackdown is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety and enforce transparency within the public transport sector.