NTSA Issues Urgent Warning Over Dangerous Matatu Stunt

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a safety warning following the circulation of a viral video showing a woman hanging dangerously from the door of a moving matatu while dancing. In a statement shared online, the Authority cautioned that the behaviour seen in the video poses a serious risk to life. “This may look cool and entertaining to some people, but this is extremely dangerous,” NTSA said. “One wrong move and someone can easily lose an arm, a leg or even their life after being hit by a passing vehicle or after falling off.” The agency criticised both the passenger and the driver, noting that such conduct violates basic road-safety rules. “To the lady: your life is worth far more than a few seconds of social media clout,” the statement read. “To the driver: it is your responsibility to ensure all passengers remain safely inside the vehicle and that the doors are properly secured at all times.” NTSA added that it is taking steps to follow up with the public service vehicle’s Sacco and will give an update once action is taken. “We will make a follow-up with the Sacco and update the public on the action taken,” the agency said, urging the public to prioritise safety and avoid risky behaviour on the road. The warning comes amid ongoing campaigns by NTSA targeting reckless conduct among passengers and PSV operators under the #UsalamaBarabarani initiative. NTSA has been taking action against reckless road users. Barely a week ago, the authority confirmed that both the driver and conductor of a public service vehicle were disengaged by their Sacco following reports of reckless driving. The driver’s driving licence was also suspended after failing a mandatory re-test conducted by the authority. The action was taken after a viral video showed the crew driving recklessly, with the conductor pushing a girl into a roadside ditch, in Riruta, Nairobi. The incident occurred on December 31, 2025, sparking outrage on social media, with the public demanding action from NTSA. The video showed the conductor swinging on the door and shoving the pedestrian while the vehicle drove dangerously along the road shoulders. In the next frame, the driver braked abruptly, forcing a car that was tailing the PSV van to apply emergency brakes to evade an accident. Regarding Tuesday’s warning, Kenyans on X took to commenting, urging NTSA to ensure that road users adhere to safety and traffic laws. “The public drive to ensure road sanity must be total. When you look at a vast majority of public service vehicles, they are a pothole away from disintegration,” a user, John Ogola, said. “We have unroadworthy vehicles ferrying passengers daily. Police are unable/unwilling to act. What is your mandate?” “I think NTSA and NPS traffic section need be held responsible for insanity on our road. Kindly act on traffic rules breakers swiftly and our roads will be safe,” Nishez Robi said. Others, however, criticised NTSA’s administration of mandatory retest. “Hamna jesma 001 for touting afanye pia as a program for #UsalamaBarabarani?” a user by the name pickcasta said. “Does it mean that the driver will also sit for Jesma exam? Because of the lady?” Salutii asked.