A Nairobi-based lawyer has filed a petition seeking orders to stop matatus from playing loud while carrying passengers.
High Court Advocate Samuel Barongo Nyamari said he brought the case in the public interest, arguing that the practice violates commuters’ constitutional right to dignity. He noted that loud music has remained a persistent problem, especially in Nairobi.
“A pandemic that has been perpetrated for a long period of time by the matatus in this country, specifically in this city of Nairobi,” Nyamari said.
Nyamari said the noise affects more than passengers’ right to a quiet environment. He argued that it also infringes on their rights to dignity, privacy, and a clean and healthy environment.
He has sued the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and the Attorney General.
Court hears the matter
When the matter came up for mention on Monday before Justice Patricia Nyaundi, Nyamari told the court that loud music in public commuter vehicles amounted to a nuisance that threatened public order and needed to stop.
“My lady, I invite this court to take judicial note that many matatus play loud music all through without regard to the nature of passengers they are carrying. Play loud music to the young, tender babies, to the old, to the sick. You cannot even take a call,” he said.
The court directed the parties to file their submissions ahead of the full hearing, with judgment expected in April 2027.
The law on noise in public vehicles
NEMA is responsible for enforcing regulations that prohibit unreasonable or excessive noise that disturbs or interferes with other people’s comfort, repose, health, or safety.
The Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Act, 2021, classifies loud music in public spaces as a nuisance. The law requires operators to switch off or mute entertainment and sound systems when entering designated city center zones. Music may resume only after a vehicle fully exits the Central Business District area.
The law further bans loud, repeated, or continuous hooting and sound amplification at stages and terminals where the noise amounts to a public nuisance.
Second matatu-related case at the High Court in months
The case follows months after the High Court dismissed another petition challenging NTSA’s ban on graffiti on public service vehicles. On April 29, 2026, the court ruled that the restrictions were lawful and intended to improve road safety.
Earlier, on May 22, President William Ruto directed NTSA to spare decorated public service vehicles from punitive action, granting operators a reprieve from enforcement of the graffiti ban.
