A case has been lodged at the High Court challenging the widespread practice of blasting loud music in public service vehicles, with the petitioner arguing that it infringes on the fundamental rights of passengers.
The legal action was initiated by advocate Samwel Barongo Nyamari, who accuses key institutions of neglecting their duty to safeguard commuters from excessive noise in matatus. Named in the petition are the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Attorney General.
According to Nyamari, many public service vehicles routinely expose passengers to extremely loud music without their consent, creating an unsafe and uncomfortable travel environment. He contends that the practice goes beyond entertainment and instead amounts to harmful noise pollution that can have serious mental and emotional effects.
The lawyer further argues that such conditions disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including children, elderly passengers, the sick, and individuals with autism, who may be more sensitive to excessive sound. He claims the failure by regulators to enforce existing laws has allowed the situation to persist unchecked.
Through the petition, Nyamari is seeking court intervention to compel the relevant authorities to take firm action against operators who disregard noise control regulations. The case raises broader questions about commuter rights, public health, and accountability within the public transport sector.