NTSA Releases Updated List of Approved Motor Vehicle Body Builders

The National Transport and Safety Authority has issued a formal notice to motorists and transport stakeholders regarding the modification of motor vehicle bodies. This update includes a comprehensive list of licensed firms authorized to undertake structural work on vehicles.

The authority specified that all modifications must align with the Kenya Standard KS 372:2019. This regulation ensures that bus and matatu bodies are built to be safe, durable, and reliable for public use.

Owners of passenger and commercial vehicles are now required to engage only with these approved builders. The directive comes amid intensified efforts by the government to curb road accidents caused by structural failures and substandard vehicle assembly.

A total of over 50 companies have been cleared to operate in this capacity. The approved list includes several long-standing industry players located in major industrial hubs across the country.

Key firms featured in the updated register include:

* Kenya Coach Industries (Nairobi)

* Associated Vehicle Assemblers Limited (Mombasa)

* Kisumu Mpya (Kisumu)

* Sahota Body Works Limited (Nakuru)

* Banbros Limited (Machakos)

* Black Sparks Fabricators Limited (Mombasa and Eldoret)

* Blessed Hand Auto Garage (Nyeri)

* Central Farmers Garage Limited (Nairobi)

* Masters Fabricators Limited (Machakos)

* Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Limited (Thika)

Beyond the builders, the authority also identified two approved conformity assessors. Al-Sahel Services Limited and the Kenya Association of Bus Manufacturer Services Limited, both based in Nairobi, are the only entities authorized to certify that modified vehicles meet the required standards.

These assessors are tasked with issuing a certificate of conformity. They must also affix a Vehicle Identification Number plate on the vehicle body as proof that the construction adheres to the law.

The regulator noted that any vehicle modified by an unlicensed builder or lacking the necessary certification will not be cleared for road use. This enforcement is part of a broader safety strategy that includes the licensing of speed limiter suppliers.

For speed control, the authority confirmed that 12 suppliers are currently cleared under the KS 2295:2023 standard. These companies must maintain valid clearance from the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Chief Mechanical and Transport Engineer.

Among the cleared speed limiter providers are Power Governors Limited, Saferider Management Systems Limited, and Tracktrail Solution. These firms are required to ensure their hardware is tamper-proof and functional at all times.

Stakeholders have been advised to verify the credentials of any service provider through the official NTSA portal. This move aims to eliminate briefcase fabricators who have previously compromised the safety of the public transport fleet.

The authority emphasized that the standards apply to all stages of design, manufacturing, and assembly. This includes the materials used for the chassis extensions and the quality of welding on the passenger cabin.

By centralizing the list of approved providers, the government hopes to create a more accountable manufacturing environment. The full list of requirements and licensed companies is accessible via the KEBS and NTSA websites for public review.