The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has unveiled major changes to road safety rules, driver licensing, and digital services. The authority says the reforms aim to improve efficiency and strengthen compliance across Kenya’s transport sector.
In a notice issued on Monday, NTSA outlined new measures that will run through the eCitizen platform. The agency also announced tighter enforcement of traffic rules and stricter compliance requirements for private and commercial motorists.
Mandatory annual inspection for private cars
NTSA has directed that, from July 1, 2026, all private vehicles older than four years from their manufacture date must undergo an annual inspection.
Car owners must book inspections through the NTSA service portal on eCitizen. The authority will only allow inspections at designated NTSA centres.
NTSA warned motorists against using third parties. It said it has not licensed any private company to carry out vehicle inspections.
Enforcement reprieve for motorists
NTSA clarified that traffic police will not immediately penalise private vehicle owners for failing to meet the new inspection requirement during roadside checks.
The agency said it will announce the official enforcement date later. It urged motorists to prepare and comply early.
NTSA also gave a reprieve to school and commercial transport operators.
School transport operators will not face penalties yet for failing to meet Rule 13 on reflectorized red stop arms and Rule 14 on telematic systems under the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026.
Commercial service vehicles will also avoid penalties for missing telematic systems and underride protection devices during this transition period.
However, NTSA stressed that all school and commercial vehicles must remain roadworthy. Officers will verify valid inspection stickers through the NTSA mobile app.
Crackdown on corruption and misinformation
NTSA Director General Kondiwa said the reforms support the government’s push to digitise services, reduce delays, and block corruption loopholes.
He warned against fraudsters who claim they can fast-track or bypass the system. He urged motorists to report bribery attempts to NTSA offices or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
NTSA also warned the public about false information circulating on social media. It urged Kenyans to rely only on official channels, including the NTSA portal, Huduma Centres, and verified social media accounts.
Transport stakeholders welcomed the digitisation drive. They said it could improve accountability and reduce corruption. However, they also raised concerns about challenges for users who struggle with online systems.
NTSA said it will release more details on implementation timelines and enforcement procedures in future updates.
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