in 2022
Matatus were explicitly deemed legal in 1973, but it was only in 1984 that even the most basic regulatory framework was constructed for
matatus, when licensing and inspections were mandated. Today, Kenya has been described as having extensive regulatory controls, and a
matatu worker can be pulled from the streets simply for sporting too loud a shirt. Some basic safety equipment is required; these minibuses must be fitted with
seat belts and
speed governors. It is unclear, however, to what extent such laws are followed. The present regulation may not be a sufficient deterrent to prevent small infractions, as even decoration may be prohibited. Laws prohibiting flashy paint-jobs and eye-searing colors were removed in 2015, and as of 2016,
matatus in Kenya are brightly decorated with some operators paying upwards of US$2,000 for custom, decorative paint. In the 1990s and the 2000s, informal groups emerged managing routes and requiring
matatu drivers to pay fees. At times, competition over control of routes precipitated violence. As of late 2010, the Kenyan government policy is to phase out minibus
matatu in the capital city Nairobi in favour of larger buses seating twenty five or more. Currently, no new
matatu vehicles can operate in Nairobi, and the existing ones will be allowed to continue serving passengers until they become completely inoperable. It could take ten years or more to ease the congestion caused by more popular smaller minibuses, however. == Environmental and health impacts ==