NTSA Announces New Changes Affecting All Vehicle Logbooks

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has unveiled sweeping reforms in Kenya’s vehicle registration and ownership management system, marking a significant shift from traditional paper-based records to a fully digitised electronic logbook platform.

According to NTSA, the new e-Logbook system, which is scheduled to officially take effect on June 10, will be integrated into the government’s eCitizen platform in a move aimed at modernising transport services and enhancing efficiency in the management of motor vehicle records across the country.

NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa announced the changes during a media briefing held on Thursday, May 7, at the third Annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies Conference hosted at South Eastern Kenya University. He described the transition as part of the government’s broader strategy to digitise public services and reduce inefficiencies that have long affected service delivery.

According to Kondiwa, the introduction of the electronic logbook system is expected to transform how Kenyans access vehicle ownership records by allowing motorists to retrieve and manage their logbooks online without relying on physical paperwork.

“We are not only bringing services closer to the people by enabling them to access their logbooks electronically, but we are also eliminating bureaucracy and cartels,” Kondiwa said during the briefing.

The NTSA explained that under the new arrangement, digital logbooks will be automatically generated through the NTSA portal once vehicle registration details are processed. The records will also be updated instantly whenever ownership changes occur, ensuring that all information remains current and accurate in real time.

The authority noted that the transition to a digital platform is intended to address persistent challenges that have plagued the vehicle ownership transfer process for years, particularly fraud linked to forged or outdated paper logbooks. Cases involving fake ownership documents, duplicate records, and manipulation of vehicle details have often exposed buyers to financial losses and legal disputes.

By replacing physical logbooks with encrypted digital records, the NTSA believes the new system will significantly reduce opportunities for fraud and improve transparency during vehicle transactions.

“This eliminates the risk of using an outdated paper logbook and reduces fraud during private vehicle sales,” Kondiwa added.

One of the major features of the new platform is that vehicle buyers and sellers will now be able to initiate and complete ownership transfers online without the need to physically visit NTSA offices. This is expected to save time, reduce congestion at service centres, and simplify the transfer process for motorists across the country.

In addition, the authority revealed that the new digital logbooks will come equipped with enhanced security features designed to protect vehicle ownership data from tampering and unauthorised access. The system will utilise advanced encryption technology and secure hashing methods to safeguard records and prevent forgery or unlawful alterations.

Each electronic logbook will also carry a unique QR code that can be scanned by potential buyers, financial institutions, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies to instantly verify vehicle ownership and other registration details. The feature is expected to make vehicle transactions safer and more reliable by enabling quick authentication of records.

NTSA officials stated that preparations for the rollout are currently in the final stages, with support systems already established to ensure a smooth transition from the paper-based system to the digital platform. The authority indicated that it has been working on infrastructure improvements and user support mechanisms to minimise disruptions once the new system becomes operational.

The agency further described the e-Logbook system as more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional paper records. Unlike physical logbooks, which can easily be lost, damaged, or forged, digital records are expected to provide motorists with a safer and more convenient alternative. The authority also pointed out that replacement costs for electronic logbooks would be significantly lower since users would be able to access their records online at any time.

The move comes as the Kenyan government continues to accelerate the digitisation of public services through the eCitizen platform, which has increasingly become the central hub for accessing government services online. In recent years, NTSA has migrated several services to digital platforms, including driving licence applications, vehicle inspections, smart driving licences, and PSV licensing processes.

The latest reforms are expected to further streamline operations within the transport sector while improving accountability and public confidence in vehicle ownership records. For many motorists, the shift to electronic logbooks represents a major step toward faster, safer, and more transparent service delivery in Kenya’s transport industry.

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