The soul of Nairobi’s unique transport culture hangs in the balance as the High Court sets the date for a judgment that could either save or suffocate the vibrant "Nganya" industry.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye has marked February 9, 2026, as the day he will rule on the legality of the controversial ban on matatu graffiti.The case pits the creative expression of the youth against the bureaucratic rigidities of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Culture vs. Regulation

Petitioners argue that the NTSA's crackdown on graffiti is unconstitutional. Their lawyers told the court that the regulations were bulldozed through without public participation—a cardinal sin under the 2010 Constitution. "There was no notice, no memoranda sought, and no engagement with the artists whose livelihoods are on the line," they submitted.

The stakes are high for the city's identity:

• Legitimate Expectation: The legal team reminded the court that former President Uhuru Kenyatta had lifted the ban on graffiti, creating a legal precedence that the current regime is attempting to reverse.
• Presidential Paradox: They also pointed out the irony of President William Ruto publicly praising "Nganya" culture as a form of hustle, while his agencies work to dismantle it.
• Safety Concerns: The NTSA maintains that the artwork is a distraction to other motorists, a claim the petitioners dismiss as lacking empirical evidence.

The Final Verdict

As the countdown to February 9 begins, the matatu owners, artists, and fans hold their breath. A ruling against them could strip Nairobi's streets of their color; a ruling in their favor would cement graffiti as protected art. The writing is literally on the wall.