Is it compulsory to wear a seat belt, even in a matatu?
Traffic Rules / Traffic Act · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Yes. Anyone sitting in a seat that has a seat belt must wear it while the vehicle is moving, passengers in a matatu included; not wearing it is an offence with a KSh 500 fine. Owners must fit a belt for every seat (KSh 1,000 fine per seat without one), and matatu conductors must keep the belts usable.
- Where
- Traffic police and NTSA enforce on the road; minor offences are handled under the Traffic Act
Steps
- Buckle up whenever the vehicle is moving and your seat has a belt. This applies in a matatu or bus too, not only in private cars.
- If a matatu belt is dirty, broken or tucked away, ask the conductor to sort it. Keeping belts clean, dry and wearable is their legal duty.
- To report a vehicle carrying passengers without working belts, tell a traffic police officer or call 999, 112 or 911.
Watch out
- The KSh 500 fine is on the person not wearing the belt, so a passenger can be fined, not just the driver.
- The owner's fine is KSh 1,000 for every seat with no belt or a belt that is not up to standard, so it adds up quickly on a matatu.
- On a bench seat for more than two people, the middle seats may have a lap belt only. You still have to wear it.
Who this covers
- Every driver and passenger in a seat fitted with a seat belt, in any motor vehicle on the road
- Vehicle owners, who must have belts fitted
- PSV conductors (or the driver if there is no conductor)
Official sources (3)
- The Traffic Rules (G.N. 1902 of 1953), made under the Traffic Act (Cap. 403) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- The Traffic (Minor Offences) Rules (L.N. 161 of 2016) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- National Police Service - Kenya Police kenyapolice.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026