Traffic laws ban graphics on matatu

By Ibrahim Kipkorir

Operators in public transport and graphic artists are agitated by new traffic regulations that demands them to clean off all graphic decorations in their matatu.

Graphic designers are afraid that this new move will take away a large segment of their customers.

On the other hand, Matatu owners cried foul saying they had invested a lot in the designs to woo and attract passengers in their matatus.

“We have maintained the yellow line expected of public vehicles with the route number indicated too, but still we are harassed .We have respected the law but it seems finding better means to ease our hectic work is now a crime. It is not fair,” said a Matatu operator from route 29/30 of Mathare North.

On the other hand, graphic designers are angered by the fact that they have spent too much time and resources to gain their artistic skills only to be proved useless by the same government that should instead create more employment opportunities.

“Graphic designs found in all types of car (personal/private) have something to say. It is also robbing us jobs because such laws destroy instead of building. They are openly denying us employment… and then?” charged Carry Francis, a graphic designer.

However, an anonymous traffic officer argued otherwise. “We have reasons why we want the public service vehicles somehow looking uniformed. It is because some of these cars get involved in hit-and-run and disappears quickly in a hide out to remove the stickers and pictures from their car. When this happen it becomes difficult to mark the car especially if you are not sure of the plate number or if you didn’t get the number at all,” said a traffic officer from the Traffic Police Headquarters in Ruaraka.

First published in March 2013.