Picture this: you’ve just dropped off your last passenger in town, and you’re heading back to the stage. Out of nowhere, the blue NTSA lights flash behind you, or a traffic cop flags you down. Next thing you know, your matatu is being towed. Heart sinking, wallet already feeling lighter. It’s a nightmare every crew and owner dreads.
But before you start calling everyone you know for a ‘favour’, stop. Knowing the right, official procedure can save you time, money, and a massive headache. This guide breaks down exactly what to do if your matatu is impounded by NTSA or traffic police, from the yard to the road, with no fluff.
First Things First: Don’t Do This at the Scene
The moment they decide to tow, emotions run high. You might be tempted to argue, offer a ‘kitu kidogo’, or even block the tow truck. Resist all these urges.
Arguing with an officer who has already made the decision is pointless and can lead to more charges like obstruction. Attempting to bribe your way out is a huge risk. With increased anti-corruption drives, you could find yourself in much deeper trouble.
Your goal is to get your vehicle back as quickly and cheaply as possible. Fighting at the roadside won’t achieve that. Stay calm, cooperate at the scene, and focus on the next steps.
Get This Critical Information Before They Leave
As your vehicle is being hooked, use your phone wisely. Don’t just film and shout. Get specific details.
- The Offence: Ask for the specific traffic offence. Is it a defective speed governor, no PSV badge, bald tyres? Get it clear.
- The Impound Yard: Ask exactly which yard it’s being taken to. Is it the NTSA yard in Athi River, the Kilimani Police yard, or a local police station yard?
- The Officer’s Details: Politely note the officer’s name and force number. This is for reference, not for argument.
- The Tow Truck Number: Snap a quick photo of the tow truck’s license plate.
This info is your starting point. Without it, you’ll be running in circles trying to find your vehicle.
The Step-by-Step Retrieval Process
Once your matatu is in the yard, the real work begins. Follow these steps in order.
Step 1: Go to the Right Police Station for the Abstract
You can’t just go to the yard. First, you must report to the police station under whose jurisdiction the offence occurred. For example, if you were impounded along Uhuru Highway, you’d likely go to Central Police Station.
Here, you will be issued with a Police Abstract. This is a formal document stating the offence. Sometimes, for minor offences, you might get an OB Number instead. This is your official ticket to the next stage.
Step 2: Head to Court for the Fine
With your abstract or OB number, proceed to the nearest law courts. For Nairobi, this is usually the City Court or Makadara Law Courts.
Present your documents at the traffic fines desk. The magistrate will review the offence and impose a fine. You pay this fine at the court’s cashier. Keep this receipt like gold. It’s your proof of payment.
Step 3: The Yard Visit and Final Payments
Now, take all your documents—logbook, ID, police abstract, court fine receipt—to the impound yard. You’ll present these at the yard office.
Here, you will pay the towing and storage fees. Only after this payment will you be given a release note. Take this note to the yard attendant to physically access and inspect your vehicle before driving it out.
Breaking Down the Costs: Be Ready for This Hit
Let’s talk numbers. The shock often isn’t just the fine, but the accumulating costs. Budget for all these.
- Court Fine: This varies by offence. A common one like a defective speed governor can be around KSh 10,000. More serious offences like no PSV license can go much higher.
- Towing Fees: Set by the government. For a 14-seater matatu, expect to pay between KSh 5,000 to KSh 10,000, depending on distance.
- Storage Fees: This is the real killer. It’s charged per day, including weekends and public holidays. It can range from KSh 500 to over KSh 1,500 per day. If your matatu sits for a week, you’re looking at an extra KSh 10,500.
For a minor offence, the total cost can easily hit KSh 25,000 within a few days. This is why speed is crucial.
Kenya-Specific: Navigating the NTSA vs. Police Maze
In Kenya, you can be impounded by two main bodies: the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) or the Traffic Police. The process differs slightly.
If NTSA impounds you, it’s often for major compliance issues: no valid inspection sticker (the ‘MOT’), fraudulent logbook, or serious mechanical fault. Their main yard is in Athi River, which is a trek from the city. Storage there is notoriously strict; no quick ‘negotiations’.
If the Traffic Police impound you, it’s usually for road offences: overlapping, defective lights, or crew-related issues like touting. The yards are often at major police stations like Kilimani or Muthangari.
Pro Tip: During the long rains, crackdowns on things like wiper defects and headlights increase. In the dry season, expect more checks on speed governors as roads are clearer and speeding is tempting. Time your compliance checks with the seasons.
How to Avoid the Yard Altogether: Preventive Tips
Prevention is cheaper than cure. Make these checks part of your daily routine, like checking the fuel gauge.
- Daily Quick Check: Lights (all of them), tyre pressure and tread, wipers, horn. Do this before your first trip.
- Weekly Deep Check: Speed governor seal (ensure it’s intact and from an approved installer like C-track or Cartrack), first aid kit, fire extinguisher.
- Document Wallet: Keep a waterproof wallet in the vehicle with: Original logbook, copy of insurance, valid inspection sticker (MOT), PSV license, and all crew IDs. Never operate with originals at home.
- Know the Crackdown Zones: Areas like Ngong Road near Prestige, Outering Road, and Thika Road near GSU are often hotspots. Be extra compliant there.
What If You Think It’s Unfair? Your Recourse
Sometimes you feel the impound was wrongful. You have options, but they require patience and proper evidence.
First, still follow the process to get your vehicle out and stop the storage fee clock. Pay under protest if you must.
Then, you can appeal. For police fines, you can write to the Internal Affairs Unit. For NTSA, you can lodge a formal complaint at their Upper Hill offices. Having your evidence—photos, videos from the scene, witness contacts—is vital.
For major disputes, consult a lawyer specializing in traffic law. But weigh the legal fees against the impound costs. Often, for minor issues, it’s more economical to just pay and move on, as frustrating as that is.
Get Back on the Road and Stay There
Getting your matatu impounded is a costly, stressful disruption. The key is to act fast, follow the official process to the letter, and have the financial buffer for the fines and fees. Remember, the storage fee is the silent thief, so every hour counts.
Use this experience as a harsh reminder to stay compliant. A daily 5-minute check can save you KSh 25,000 and days of lost business. Keep your documents straight, your vehicle in good shape, and your eyes open for those crackdown zones.
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