No more pimped up exhaust pipes on matatus, says agency
Matatus and buses have until Monday next week to display names of their saccos and do away with noisy exhaust pipes, the National Transport and Safety Authority has said.
Addressing journalists at the agency’s headquarters in Nairobi on Thursday, NTSA Chairman Lee Kinyanjui said the agency had received many complaints from hospitals, schools, companies and other institutions about the noise from matatu exhaust pipes.
Mr Kinyanjui singled out matatus on Ngong Road that pass near Kenyatta National Hospital as some of the most noisy in Nairobi.
“There is an unacceptable modification of horns and exhaust pipes, leading to noise pollution and annoyance to the public,” said Mr Kinyanjui.
GRAFFITI
He also warned that vehicles with a lot of graffiti and artwork, which obscure important information, would be impounded.
“Some PSVs have failed to boldly display names of saccos on all sides. The names should not be less than six inches as the law clearly states,” he added.
He asked saccos to ensure that their members comply with the regulations as NTSA would not hesitate to take action against violators.
“The authority has also established that saccos and company managements encourage violation of the law,” said Mr Kinyanjui.
“NTSA wishes to remind all PSV operators that it is responsibility of the saccos and company officials to ensure that the vehicles comply with regulations.”
