Court orders NTSA to release impounded matatus in Nairobi

High Court judge Bahati Mwamuye issued the directive pending hearing and determination of the case filed by Nganya Association.

"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," reads the order.

The matatu owners, represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, challenged the NTSA's directive, arguing that the crackdown is unlawful.  

The matatus operate on key routes, including Embakasi, Kiambu Road, Ongata Rongai, and Thika Road.

The operators claim that  that they have suffered massive losses due to the enforcement measures, which have left their vehicles grounded.  

Since January 21, 2025, the matatu owners claim they have been subjected to  excessive and unjustified crackdowns, resulting in frequent NTSA inspections and impoundments.  

"Due to these surprise crackdowns, our clients have been forced to park their vehicles in their in backyards rather than risk impoundment and prolonged stays at police stations. Even brand-new vehicles have been unfairly flagged under the punitive and discriminatory inspection measures,"* reads part of their court filing.  

The petitioners further argue that their attempts to seek intervention and secure the release of their vehicles have been ignored, despite having operated on the same roads for years without prior issues.  

The case is set for mention on February 25.