The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Monday launched a crackdown on public service vehicles with noisy exhaust pipes and excessive graffiti.
In Mombasa County, more than 30 vehicles were impounded for playing loud music and having excessive and offensive graffiti.
Coast Traffic boss Solomon Njuguna said the crackdown on matatus will be extended to all public service vehicles flouting traffic regulations.
Mr Njuguna issued a stern warning to matatu operators who will ignore the new directive, ordering them to comply or face arrest and prosecution.
Speaking to journalists during the operation in Mombasa, the traffic boss said majority of the matatus which contain excessive graffiti were still operating despite the matatu owners being warned.
“Owners of the matatus are required to ensure their vehicles do not have modified exhaust pipes which are very noisy, or graffiti on windows. The crackdown will go on until the laws are complied with,” said Njuguna.
He added: “Some of the vehicles we impounded had minor problems which could be rectified. We urge matatu owners to ensure they follow the law.”
Most passengers were on Monday left stranded as some were forced to seek other means of transport.