NTSA Publishes New List Of Approved Vehicle Body Builders In Kenya

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a fresh directive requiring all vehicle owners, particularly those operating buses and matatus, to strictly engage only approved vehicle body builders when designing or modifying their vehicles.

The announcement, made on Monday, April 27, signals a renewed push by NTSA to tighten compliance within the public transport sector and address growing safety concerns on Kenyan roads.

According to NTSA, the directive is anchored in its broader mandate to promote road safety and enforce vehicle standards across the country.

The move comes amid rising reports of road accidents, many of which have been linked to poor vehicle construction, unsafe modifications, and the use of substandard materials. By insisting on certified body builders, the Authority aims to curb these risks and ensure that vehicles operating on public roads meet established safety benchmarks.

The regulator emphasized that the approval and oversight of vehicle body builders is not arbitrary but is grounded in the provisions of the Traffic Act.

This law requires strict adherence to safety standards in every stage of vehicle body development, including design, construction, and final assembly. NTSA noted that failure to comply with these requirements could compromise passenger safety and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Central to this directive is the enforcement of Kenya Standard KS 372:2019, a comprehensive guideline that all approved body builders must follow.

The standard outlines detailed requirements intended to guarantee that buses and other public service vehicles are not only structurally sound but also reliable and fit for their intended use. It places significant emphasis on the quality of materials used, engineering precision, and the overall integrity of the vehicle body.

NTSA further explained that KS 372:2019 is designed to enhance passenger protection by ensuring that vehicles can withstand operational stresses and potential impacts.

It also aims to safeguard other road users by minimizing the risk of mechanical failures or structural weaknesses that could lead to accidents.

In line with this initiative, NTSA has published an updated list of more than 50 licensed vehicle body builders operating across various counties. These include key regions such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu County, Machakos County, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Meru County. The wide geographical spread is intended to make it easier for vehicle owners nationwide to access certified services without resorting to unapproved workshops.

Among the notable companies listed are East Africa Coach Manufacturers Limited, Kenya Coach Industries, Associated Vehicle Assemblers Limited, and Kenyan Vehicle Manufacturers Limited.

These firms have met NTSA’s stringent requirements and are authorized to carry out vehicle body construction and modifications in compliance with national standards.

The Authority stressed that all approved body builders are expected to consistently maintain high standards in workmanship, material selection, and safety practices. This, NTSA noted, is critical to ensuring that any modified or newly constructed vehicle remains roadworthy throughout its operational life.

“We require that approved body builders always uphold the highest standards in the materials used, design, construction, and assembly of the bodies to contribute to road safety and passenger safety,” the Authority said in its statement.

In addition to body builders, NTSA highlighted the role of conformity assessors in the vehicle approval process. Currently, only two firms, Al-Sahel Services Limited and KABM Services Limited, have been accredited to perform this function, both based in Nairobi.

These assessors play a crucial oversight role by inspecting completed vehicle bodies to ensure they meet all required standards before being approved for use. Once a vehicle passes inspection, the assessors issue a certificate of conformity and affix a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate.

This VIN plate serves as official confirmation that the vehicle complies with national safety and construction standards, and it is a mandatory requirement before the vehicle can be allowed on the road.

Through this directive, NTSA is signaling a stricter enforcement regime aimed at improving the overall safety of public transport in Kenya.

By regulating both the construction and certification processes, the Authority hopes to significantly reduce accidents linked to faulty vehicle design and ultimately create safer roads for passengers and all road users.

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