- Johnson Sakaja dismissed claims against matatus that play loud music to their passengers
- The county chief said music in matatus and graffiti are part of Nairobi culture and can’t be outlawed
- Sakaja vowed to introduce an awarding system to the best performing vehicle and Saccos in terms of discipline, income raised and graffiti
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has supported playing music in matatus to entertain passengers and using graffiti to decorate the vehicles.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the Matatu business, the county boss said the graffiti and the music are part of Nairobi culture.
“Na hii mambo ati graffiti na mziki kwa matatu ati wanasema ni mbaya, hio ni ufala ya zamani sana (They are saying graffiti and matatu music is bad, that is just in the past).” said Sakaja.
Sakaja argued that passengers should board a matatu that suits them. For instance, those who are opposed to loud music to board matatus that don’t play music.
“Kama mtu anataka matatu haina mziki, angoje aingie hile haina mziki, na kama mtu anataka hile iko na mziki basi aingie. (If someone wants to board a matatu without music, then they should wait for one and if a matatu with music excites you, then so be it),” the politician added.
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It should be noted that former president Uhuru Kenyatta directed the NTSA to lift the ban on graffiti and artwork in 2014. However, the authority warned against using offensive gestures, wordings, symbols, pictures or signs.
Sakaja exempts photographers from paying permits
Separately, Sakaja dropped business permits imposed on freelance photographers and filmmakers operating within the CBD.
In a memo, Lawrence Wambua, county executive committee member for finance and economic planning, said the photographers and filmmakers be granted a waiver.
“In exercise of the power given under the PFM Act 2012, Section 159 and the Nairobi City Council Tax Waivers Administration Act, 2013 Section 5 (2)(C), approval is hereby given that Freelance photographers and Freelance filmmakers are given waiver/exemption from payment of Single Business Permit as charged under the Nairobi City County Trade Licensing Act, 2019,” the memo said.
