NTSA Issues Fresh Tougher Inspection Rules, Fees For ALL Vehicles
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has declared that all vehicles, including private cars, would be required to undergo mandatory inspections and pay additional inspection fees beginning July 1, 2026.
The new criteria are outlined in the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, which legally place private automobiles under mandatory inspection.
According to the laws, any vehicle that is more than four years old from the date of production must undergo an inspection once a year.
This applies to private and public vehicles, government vehicles, and commercial vehicles, with the exception of tractors, golf carts, motorized pedal cycles, and all-terrain vehicles.
The regulations are expected to affect thousands of Kenyan motorists, given that most vehicles on local roads are imported used cars older than four years.
NTSA has imposed a 24-month moratorium on licensing new public service vehicle (PSV) operators, including Saccos and companies, to improve road safety and regulate the transport sector.
Existing operators will continue to operate under compliance requirements, while new routes… pic.twitter.com/dHOg60l5Dz— Hivileo.co.ke (@hivileo1) June 23, 2026
Besides the new inspection requirements, NTSA has published a new fee structure for all vehicle classes, with motorists required to pay for inspection bookings.
Owners of vehicles below 3,000cc will pay a booking fee of Ksh1,000 to NTSA and an inspection fee of up to Ksh1,000 charged by the inspection centre.
On the other hand, motorcycle and three-wheeler owners will pay a Ksh200 booking fee and a maximum inspection fee of Ksh300, totalling to Ksh500.
The regulations further provide for the licensing of privately operated vehicle testing centres, allowing them to conduct inspections alongside government facilities.
A vehicle that successfully passes inspection will be issued with an inspection report and an inspection sticker, which must be displayed on the vehicle.
Vehicles that fail the inspection will receive a defect report identifying faults that must be rectified before a fresh inspection can be conducted.
Under the new rules, motorists will not be allowed to operate vehicles on public roads without a valid inspection sticker.
ALSO READ:
- NTSA Issues Fresh Tougher Inspection Rules, Fees For ALL Vehicles
- “It Was Me, Not My Father!” – Uganda’s Muhoozi Confirms Responsibility For Martha Karua’s Deportation
- DCI Makes Random Arrests, Investigates Politicians Over June 25 Protest
- “Police Are Ready!” – Murkomen Warns Protesters To Be Peaceful During June 25 Demos
- IEBC Issues Fresh Directives To Civil Servants Seeking 2027 Elective Posts
The regulations also require inspections for vehicles that have undergone modifications, including engine changes, as well as vehicles involved in accidents and those undergoing re-registration.
Additionally, NTSA has introduced a new framework for handling salvage vehicles, requiring severely damaged vehicles to be inspected before they are allowed back on the road.
Motorists whose vehicles fail inspection will be granted a free re-inspection if they return to the same inspection centre within 14 days after repairing the identified defects.
Those found operating vehicles in violation of the regulations, including using invalid inspection stickers, risk a fine of up to Ksh20,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
The inspection changes are part of the government’s efforts to improve road safety by ensuring that vehicles operating on Kenyan roads meet the required mechanical and safety standards.
NTSA Issues Fresh Tougher Inspection Rules, Fees For ALL Vehicles
