Kenyan High Court to Hear Case on Banning Loud Music in Matatus

Advocate Samwel Barongo Nyamari has filed a petition in Kenya's High Court seeking to prohibit the playing of loud, unsolicited music in public service vehicles, known as matatus. The lawsuit names the Matatu Owners Association, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Attorney General as respondents, arguing that the practice violates passengers' constitutional rights to dignity, privacy, health and a clean environment.

The case was presented before Justice Patricia Nyaundi at the Milimani Law Courts. The court has directed the parties to submit written arguments and scheduled a hearing for the following year, with a judgment expected on April 29, 2027. If successful, the ruling could require regulators to develop noise‑control standards and enforcement mechanisms for public transport vehicles across Kenya.

Nyamari contends that millions of commuters are exposed to amplified music without consent, affecting mental wellbeing and concentration, and that the right to a clean and healthy environment extends to protection from mobile noise pollution.