It is good news for the matatus but more so to the young Graffiti artist.
The National Transport and Safety Authority has given the public transport the go ahead to have graffiti as long as they adhere to rules set two years ago.
This sounds exciting for the matatus right?I thought so
While speaking in Nyeri County on Monday, Director-General Francis Meja said the artwork will not be taken down as long as it does not block windows and cover sacco names.
In his statement he said, “We want to see what is happening inside [the matatus]. Nobody said all public transport vehicles should have a single colour.”
In addition he said, “There is a misconception that we are against graffiti. That is not the case. We set regulations on graffiti and that is what we will enforce.”
However he insisted that all public transport that will not adhere to the rules set action will be taken against the operators.
He also scoffed at threats by a section of motorists to stop their operations over the enforcement of Michuki rules, which are primarily aimed at reducing cases of road carnage.
The operation is by the NTSA and the Interior ministry, whose Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i says he is ready to see offenders punished.
The authority will play the advisory role in the operation that will be spearheaded by police.
The Director of Public Prosecution will speed up the procession of cases on traffic offences.
An earlier statement by Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett left matatu owners uneasy as it emerged that authorities would go against President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive to lift the ban on all graffiti.
The president lifted the ban imposed by the NTSA in 2016 to promote entrepreneurial art and culture.
In an interview on a local television station, IG Boinnet linked graffiti to gangsters and violence.
“I celebrate our culture and love art but not one that celebrates gangsters or violence,” said police boss