The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has ordered an immediate and sweeping purge of graffiti, garish decorations, and unauthorised branding on Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), particularly targeting commuter vehicles whose visual identities have strayed far from the official standards.

In a public notice issued on May 27, 2025, the NTSA expressed concern over what it described as widespread non-compliance with existing branding regulations.

The Authority said that many PSVs now sport graffiti-style artwork, non-standard stickers, and other decorative enhancements that obscure the name of the Sacco or company under which they are licensed.

“The Authority has observed widespread non-compliance with these regulatory provisions, particularly among commuter Public Service Vehicles. A notable number of vehicles have been modified through the application of graffiti and other unauthorised artistic enhancements, resulting in the inability to clearly identify the name of the Sacco or Company under which the vehicle operates, its designated route, or the mandatory continuous yellow line that distinguishes licensed PSVs,” the notice stated.

At the heart of NTSA’s directive is the clear and prominent display of the licensed operator’s identity. Under the PSV regulations, the operator’s name must be boldly printed on the front, rear, and both sides of the vehicle in lettering no less than ten inches high and visible from at least 275 metres.

Read More

  1. Over 7,000 cars stuck at Mombasa port as number plate shortage paralyses sales
  2. Ministry nullifies appointment of UON acting VC after Ndemo rejects post
  3. Super Metro halts operations for 3 days as 269 drivers are ordered off the road

However, NTSA said this rule is being flouted through loud and layered decorations that create ambiguity.

“The name and brand identity of the licensed Public Service Vehicle Operator (PTO); be it a Sacco or Company, must always remain the most visible and dominant marking on the vehicle. Any franchise, affiliate, or secondary branding must be subordinate and shall not, in any way, overshadow, obscure, or supplant the identity of the licensed operator under which the vehicle is registered.”

The NTSA went further to spell out what is expressly forbidden:

 ▪ “Ensure that no innovative decorations are painted, sprayed, drawn on, or affixed to any window, including the front and rear windscreens, lights, indicators, or chevrons of the vehicle;”

 ▪ “Ensure that none of the passenger, co-driver, or driver windows, nor the front and rear windscreens, lights, indicators, or chevrons of the vehicle are tinted or otherwise obscured by any painted, sprayed, or drawn-on innovative decorations;”

 ▪ “Ensure that all innovative decorations are not offensive;”

 ▪ “Ensure that innovative decorations do not possess reflective properties;”

 ▪ “Ensure that no additional exterior or interior lighting is affixed to the vehicle other than that which is installed by the manufacturer.”

Operators have now been instructed to immediately inspect their fleets and bring them into full compliance. All flamboyant artwork and any branding that does not belong to the licensed operator must be removed at once.

“Any franchise or partner branding is presented in a manner that does not overshadow, conflict with, or dilute the branding of the licensed operator;” and “All innovative decorations that are not part of the operator’s approved brand design are strictly prohibited and must be removed with immediate effect,” the Authority ordered.

The crackdown, which comes after growing complaints from the public and enforcement difficulties faced by traffic police, is aimed at restoring clarity, order and traceability in the PSV sector. Operators who fail to adhere to the branding standards may face serious enforcement action, including the possible revocation of operating licences.

The NTSA has encouraged vehicle owners and Sacco managers to seek further clarification by contacting the Authority or visiting the nearest NTSA office.