NTSA Orders Annual Inspection for Motor Vehicles Over Four Years Old from July 1

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced that all motor vehicles older than four years from their recorded date of manufacture will be required to undergo annual inspection beginning July 1, 2026.

In a public notice issued on Friday, June 26, NTSA said that vehicle owners will be required to book inspection appointments through the NTSA service portal available on the eCitizen platform. The inspections will be conducted at its inspection centres across the country in line with Section 55 of the Traffic Act (Cap 403). 

“In implementation of Section 55 of the Traffic Act (Cap 403), the Authority shall conduct inspection of motor vehicles within NTSA centres from 1st July 2026,” NTSA Director General Eng. Nashon Kondiwa said in the notice.

He added that vehicle owners whose vehicles are more than four years old should ensure they comply with the annual inspection requirement. However, NTSA clarified that enforcement of mandatory inspection for private motor vehicles will not begin immediately, saying the public will be informed once the enforcement date is set.

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 further announced that inspections of commercial service vehicles will continue at its designated inspection centres, directing all commercial vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles remain roadworthy and carry valid inspection stickers at all times.

To enhance compliance, law enforcement officers have been instructed to verify the authenticity of inspection stickers using the free NTSA Mobile App.

Kondiwa also noted that implementation of some new provisions under the NTSA (Operations of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2026, including requirements on telematic systems and underride protection devices, will be communicated to the public at a later date.

The Authority also reaffirmed that inspections of school transport vehicles will continue at NTSA inspection centres. School transport service operators and school managements have been urged to ensure all vehicles transporting learners are roadworthy and possess valid inspection stickers.

Similarly, police officers and other enforcement agencies will verify the validity of inspection stickers through the NTSA Mobile App.

NTSA said enforcement of Rule 13, which requires reflectorised red stop mechanical signal arms, and Rule 14 on the installation of telematic systems under the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026, will be announced separately.

NTSA reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption, urging members of the public to report anyone claiming they can fast-track or influence NTSA services through unofficial channels.

“NTSA has a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption in all its operations. If contacted by unauthorised persons claiming any NTSA service application can be fast-tracked or influenced in any way, report the matter to the nearest NTSA office, integrity@ntsa.go.ke or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC),” Kondiwa said.

The Authority advised motorists seeking assistance to use official channels, including the NTSA website, NTSA offices, Huduma Centres, the NTSA Help Desk and its verified social media platforms.