Relief for motorists as court suspends NTSA’s mandatory vehicle inspections
The Kiambu High Court has temporarily suspended NTSA’s plan to enforce mandatory annual inspections for privately owned, non-commercial vehicles after a petition challenged the new rules.
Private motorists have secured temporary relief after the Kiambu High Court suspended the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) mandatory annual inspection requirement for privately owned, non-commercial vehicles.
Justice Francis Nyungu Kyambia issued the conservatory orders on Tuesday, July 1, following the filing of a petition challenging the authority’s new inspection regulations.
“THAT a conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending the operation and enforcement of Rules 3(1), Rule 12(2), Rule 16(4), Rule 30(1)(d) and the First Schedule of the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 13 of 2026) in so far and to the extent that it applies to private non-commercial vehicles.”
The ruling comes just as NTSA announced on Tuesday that full enforcement of its roadworthiness policy would be rolled out by June 2027.
According to the authority, the extended timeline is intended to allow the establishment of 70 vehicle inspection centres through partnerships with the private sector. NTSA currently operates 17 inspection centres across the country.
The court also suspended several provisions contained in the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, where they affect private, non-commercial vehicles.
Among the affected regulations is Rule 3(1), which introduced annual inspections for public service, commercial, driving school and government vehicles. Rule 12(2), which sets out procedures and timelines for vehicles that fail inspections, including defect re-inspection requirements, has also been frozen for private vehicles.
Justice Kyambia’s orders further suspend Rule 16(4), which provides penalties and impoundment measures for vehicles operating without valid inspection certificates. Rule 30(1)(d), covering mandatory telematic system installation, and the First Schedule outlining NTSA’s inspection fees have also been put on hold for private motorists.
In a further blow to the authority’s plans, the judge also suspended NTSA’s public notice issued on June 26 that directed private vehicle owners to undergo annual inspections.
However, the court clarified that the conservatory orders apply only to privately owned, non-commercial vehicles, meaning the remaining categories of vehicles are still expected to comply with the applicable regulations.
The petitioner has been given seven days from the date of the ruling to serve the petition, the Notice of Motion and the court order on all respondents.
Meanwhile, NTSA and Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir have been granted 14 days from the date of service to file their responses and submissions.
The matter will return to court for an inter partes hearing on July 22, 2026, when both sides will present their arguments before the court determines the next course of action.
Other News: How to book an NTSA vehicle inspection online through eCitizen in Kenya
