NTSA Unveils New Digital Reforms On Vehicle Inspections And Number Plates Application

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced sweeping reforms aimed at modernising its services and easing the burden on motorists across the country.

In a press briefing held on Thursday, NTSA unveiled major changes to two key services, the application for reflective number plates and the process of motor vehicle inspections.

The reforms, which are part of NTSA’s broader digital transformation agenda, have been anchored on the government’s eCitizen platform, a one-stop shop for public services. By fully automating the two processes, the authority seeks to reduce long queues, eliminate paperwork, cut costs for motorists, and enhance transparency in service delivery.

One of the major announcements concerned the issuance of reflective number plates. Previously, the application process involved manual forms, physical visits to NTSA offices, and a relatively lengthy waiting period.

Under the new system, the application and payment process will now be conducted entirely online through eCitizen. Applicants will only be required to upload a coloured copy of their logbook as well as clear photographs of their current number plates.

NTSA has simplified the application to just three steps, doing away with the bureaucratic procedures that often delayed approvals. In addition, the authority has guaranteed that all applications will be verified and processed within seven working days.

To further enhance accountability, applicants can now track the progress of their request through the eCitizen portal. SMS notifications will also be sent at each stage of the process—from submission and verification to final approval, ensuring motorists remain fully informed.

The second major reform touches on motor vehicle inspections, which have long been characterised by long waiting times and cumbersome paperwork. NTSA announced that both booking and payment will now be done digitally via the eCitizen platform.

Once a motorist initiates the process, the system automatically generates an invoice, with the inspection fee fixed at Ksh 1,050. The reforms eliminate the need for Vehicle Inspection Check forms, which have been replaced by a paperless digital system.

Inspectors across the country have been issued with tablets that will allow them to record and upload inspection results in real-time. This includes uploading images of the vehicles being inspected, ensuring accurate and verifiable digital records.

Perhaps the most significant change is the streamlining of the actual inspection procedure. NTSA has cut down the number of internal steps from 25 to just nine, reducing the average time motorists spend at inspection centres to less than 20 minutes.

In addition to the efficiency gains, NTSA has introduced stricter compliance measures aimed at boosting road safety. Among the new parameters is the requirement for vehicles, especially passenger service vehicles, to conform to the Passenger Vehicle Body Construction Standard (KS372:2019).

This standard ensures that PSV bodies are built with stronger materials and safer designs to protect passengers in the event of accidents. Another key requirement is the installation of Maximum Road Speed Limiters (KS2295:2018), a move aimed at curbing speeding, one of the leading causes of road fatalities in Kenya.

Once an inspection is completed, the results will be updated automatically onto the NTSA mobile app, allowing instant verification by traffic police and other enforcement officers. Motorists whose vehicles pass will immediately receive their compliance certificates digitally, while those who fail will have 13 days to correct the identified defects and return for a free re-inspection.

NTSA reiterated that operating a motor vehicle without a valid inspection certificate remains a serious traffic offence punishable by law. The Authority urged motorists to take advantage of the new simplified procedures and ensure that their vehicles are compliant to avoid penalties.

Speaking during the unveiling, NTSA officials emphasised that the reforms are part of a broader government initiative to digitise essential services and bring efficiency to public institutions.

By eliminating paperwork and reducing human interaction, the Authority also aims to curb corruption, reduce delays, and improve the overall customer experience.

Transport stakeholders have welcomed the reforms, noting that the reduced time for inspections and the ability to track number plate applications online will significantly cut costs for motorists while improving service reliability.

With these changes, NTSA has positioned itself as one of the key government agencies embracing technology to improve service delivery, safety, and compliance in Kenya’s transport sector.

Read Also: How to Check If Your Number Plate Or Driving License Is Ready On the NTSA Portal