Matatu owners in Nairobi have received a reprieve after the High Court directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to release all impounded vehicles and return confiscated registration plates.
In a ruling issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, the court granted a conservatory order suspending NTSA’s enforcement measures until a case filed by the Nganya Association is heard and determined.
“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 ruling read.
The matatu owners, represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, have contested NTSA’s directive, terming the crackdown unlawful and excessive.
The affected matatus operate on major routes, including Embakasi, Kiambu Road, Ongata Rongai, and Thika Road. Operators argue that the enforcement measures have caused them significant financial losses as their vehicles remain grounded.
Since January 21, 2025, the matatu owners claim they have been subjected to relentless crackdowns, which they say have resulted in repeated inspections and vehicle impoundments.
“Due to these surprise crackdowns, our clients have been forced to keep their vehicles off the road rather than risk impoundment and prolonged detentions at police stations. Even newly registered vehicles have been unfairly targeted under these punitive and discriminatory inspection measures,” part of the court documents stated.
The petitioners further argue that their appeals for intervention have gone unanswered despite their long history of operating on the same routes without previous issues.
The case is scheduled for mention on February 25, when further directions on the matter will be given.
