NTSA Clarifies Annual Inspection Directive For Private Cars

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will begin inspecting private motor vehicles that are more than four years old from July 1, 2026, in a move aimed at enhancing road safety and ensuring vehicles on Kenyan roads remain roadworthy.

In a public notice issued on Friday, the authority said owners of private vehicles older than four years, based on the recorded year of manufacture, will be required to book annual inspections through the NTSA service portal available on the eCitizen platform.

The inspections will be conducted exclusively at NTSA inspection centres in line with Section 55 of the Traffic Act.

However, the authority clarified that while inspections will commence next month, enforcement of the mandatory annual inspection requirement for private vehicles will be announced separately.

“Enforcement of mandatory inspection of private motor vehicles shall be communicated to the public in due course,” NTSA said.

The authority also cautioned motorists against seeking inspection services from unauthorised providers, noting that it has not licensed any private entity to conduct motor vehicle inspections.

“NTSA has not yet licensed any private entity to offer motor vehicle inspection services,” the notice stated.

Besides private vehicles, NTSA said it will continue inspecting school transport vehicles and commercial service vehicles at its inspection centres.

School operators and commercial vehicle owners have been directed to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and display valid inspection stickers, which law enforcement officers will verify using the free NTSA Mobile App.

The authority added that enforcement of new requirements under the 2026 School Transport Rules, including reflectorised stop signal arms and telematic systems, as well as new commercial vehicle regulations on telematic systems and underride protection devices, will be communicated to the public at a later date.

NTSA further reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on bribery and corruption, warning members of the public against dealing with unauthorised individuals claiming they can fast-track inspection or licensing services.

The authority urged motorists to report any such incidents through the nearest NTSA office, its official integrity reporting channels or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Read: NTSA Imposes Two-Year Freeze on New Public Service Vehicle Operators Amid Safety Crisis

>>> Motorists to Receive Traffic Offence Notices via SMS Under New NTSA Digital System