NTSA Rolls Out Mandatory Inspections and New Fees for All Vehicles Including Private Cars

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced mandatory vehicle inspections for all categories including private cars. The new requirements take effect from July 1 under the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026.

Vehicles more than four years old from their manufacture date will require an annual inspection test. This covers private cars, public service vehicles, government vehicles and commercial vehicles. Tractors, golf carts, motorised pedal cycles and all-terrain vehicles are exempted.

The changes will affect thousands of motorists. Most vehicles on Kenyan roads are imported used cars older than four years. NTSA has also published a new fee structure that includes booking and inspection charges.

Owners of vehicles below 3,000cc will pay a Ksh1,000 booking fee to NTSA. They will additionally pay up to Ksh1,000 at the inspection centre. Motorcycle and three-wheeler owners face a Ksh200 booking fee and a maximum Ksh300 inspection fee.

NTSA will license privately operated vehicle testing centres to conduct inspections alongside government facilities. A vehicle that passes receives an inspection report and a sticker that must be displayed on the vehicle at all times.

Vehicles that fail inspection receive a defect report listing faults. Owners must rectify the issues before a fresh inspection. A free re-inspection is available within 14 days if the owner returns to the same centre.

Inspections are also required for vehicles that have undergone modifications such as engine changes. Accident-damaged vehicles and those undergoing re-registration fall under the same rules. Salvage vehicles must pass inspection before returning to public roads.

Motorists cannot operate vehicles on public roads without a valid inspection sticker. Violations attract a fine of up to Ksh20,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. The regulations aim to ensure vehicles meet mechanical and safety standards.

The rules formally bring private vehicles under a regime previously focused more on commercial ones. NTSA says the measures will improve overall road safety by addressing the condition of vehicles in use across the country.