The National Police Service (NPS) has warned of an impending crackdown on Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) with flashy lights and sirens.
This is after a High Court ruling delivered on Thursday by Justice Mugure Thande dismissed a case seeking to overturn an order by the NPS to seize vehicles equipped with the additional lights.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Mary Omari, National Traffic Commandant explained that the crackdown had been paused pending the determination of the case.
She added that the law is clear in terms of Saccos installing excessive lights that obstruct other road users.
"We were waiting for the court's verdict. Now that their petition has been thrown out, they should get ready. The law is clear and they are aware of it," Omari stated without mentioning when the crackdown would begin.
According to Omari, the crackdown will be in line with Section 55 of the Traffic Act, which stipulates provisions for a vehicle's condition on the road.
"No vehicle shall be used on a road unless such vehicle and all parts and equipment thereof, including lights and tyres, comply with the requirements of this Act, and such parts and equipment shall at all times be maintained in such a condition that the driving of the vehicle is not likely to be a danger to other users of the road or persons travelling on the vehicle," reads part of the Act.
Brendan Marshall, a member of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), however, argued that the law is vague in terms of guidelines for additional lights and other external components.
He added that the lights, graffiti and music are a form of culture that has also been acknowledged internationally.
"When the government decides to implement such a law, they should not only focus on matatus but also private cars. When you put the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights and drive along well-lit areas such as Thika Road, the chances of distracting other motorists are minimal," he told Kenyans.co.ke.
According to Marshall, the matatu Saccos invest in their art, with some spending up to Ksh500,000 on LED lights for a 33-seater bus.
"The average price of marker lights is Ksh1,000 per piece, snake lights can go up to Ksh1,500 per roll, you find one can cough up between Ksh300,000 to Ksh500,000 for lights alone. You have not accounted for the graffiti and the music system," he noted.
"At the same time, before you make the modifications, you must take into account the internal components of the car such as battery and alternator."
