The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has come under intense scrutiny following the suspension of its new Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, after the High Court intervened amid concerns over the agency’s preparedness and the legality of the rollout.
The regulations, which were scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, would have required all private non-commercial vehicles older than four years to undergo an annual roadworthiness inspection at a cost of up to Sh2,000 through the eCitizen platform.
However, the implementation quickly ran into legal and operational challenges, prompting the High Court to temporarily halt the directive pending further proceedings.
At the centre of the dispute is NTSA’s admission that it lacks the capacity to implement the nationwide inspection programme. Although Kenya has more than six million registered vehicles, the authority currently operates only 17 government-owned vehicle inspection centres across the country.
Critics argue that the limited infrastructure makes compliance practically impossible for millions of motorists, particularly after NTSA failed to license private inspection centres before the regulations were due to take effect.
The legal challenge has also raised broader concerns over whether the authority adequately prepared for the rollout and whether motorists were given sufficient time and access to inspection services before the rules became effective.
Supporters of the regulations maintain that regular vehicle inspections are intended to improve road safety by ensuring older vehicles remain mechanically sound. Opponents, however, contend that the policy should only be implemented after adequate infrastructure, stakeholder consultation and clear operational guidelines are in place.