The National Transport and Safety Authority inspects vehicles to confirm they are roadworthy. School transport and many commercial vehicles have been under mandatory inspection for years. Under the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, NTSA also set out rules for inspecting private motor vehicles that are more than four years old from the recorded date of manufacture, with booking through NTSA services on eCitizen.
NTSA has said enforcement timelines for private vehicles would be communicated separately, and that it had not licensed private firms to run inspections at the time of those notices. Confirm the live rule on ntsa.go.ke or eCitizen before you book.
Who must inspect
- Commercial and passenger service vehicles as already required
- School transport vehicles
- Private vehicles covered by the 2026 rules once enforcement applies to your vehicle age and class
Exemptions listed in the 2026 rules include tractors used only for agriculture, golf carts, motorised pedal cycles and certain all-terrain vehicles not meant for public roads.
Inspection fees (from the 2026 rules)
| Type of inspection | Booking fee (NTSA) | Max inspection fee (centre) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles and three-wheelers | 200 | 300 |
| Motor vehicles under 3,000cc (or EVs under 150 kWh) | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Motor vehicles over 3,000cc (or EVs over 151 kWh) | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Trailers under 5 tonnes | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Trailers over 5 tonnes | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Commercial vehicles under 5 tonnes | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Commercial vehicles over 5 tonnes | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Accident vehicle inspections | 1,000 | — |
Amounts are in Kenyan shillings as published in the rules summary. Pay only the fees shown on your official booking invoice.
Estimated total ceiling: KES 2,000
Confirm on your official booking invoice.
How to book
- Log in to eCitizen and open NTSA services (TIMS).
- Select motor vehicle inspection booking.
- Enter the registration number and vehicle details.
- Choose an inspection centre and slot.
- Pay the booking fee on the official payment screen.
- Take the vehicle to the centre with the booking confirmation, and carry the logbook and your ID.
Officers can check inspection stickers using the NTSA mobile app. Keep your sticker valid if your vehicle class is under enforcement.
Related: transferring vehicle ownership on NTSA.
