Members of the Matatu Owners Association, Kilifi ranch led by Vice chairman Jelan Fadhil at the Malindi high court where through their lawyer Vincent Mogaka, they have sued the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), The traffic department and the Mombasa and Kilifi Counties seeking orders prohibiting non Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) from operating. Photo by Ben Okweingoti 
By Ben Okweingoti
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) in Kilifi County has moved to court, accusing the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kilifi County, and Mombasa County of allowing unlicensed vehicles to operate as public service vehicles (PSVs).
Through lawyer Vincent Mogaka, the association filed an application before Malindi Resident Judge Mugure Thande seeking nine orders, including a directive for a crackdown on organized gangs allegedly operating and collecting illegal fees at Buxtun Stage, Lights, and Nyali Stage.
The MOA also wants action taken against private vehicles ferrying passengers from undesignated areas, particularly on the Mombasa side, including the stretch from the Total roundabout to Kwa Chochastage and Mtwapa.
In the application, the association argued that private cars, unlawfully converted into PSVs, had been allowed to take over their business while licensed matatus were confined to designated stages.
“Leave be granted to the ex parte applicant to apply for orders of prohibition directed at the respondents from issuing stickers to private vehicles which now have taken Matatu business while the ex parte applicant’s vehicles are confined in one area,” part of the petition read.
The MOA further sought orders to compel NTSA and the two counties to ban private vehicles from operating as PSVs altogether.
Justice Thande directed the parties to serve and file responses before the matter proceeds.
“Responses be filed and served by October 14, 2025. Mention set for February 4, 2026, for directions,” ruled the judge.
