NTSA Reveals Who Will Still Receive Physical Logbooks Despite Digital Shift

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has moved to reassure motorists who had applied for vehicle logbooks before the launch of the electronic logbook system, clarifying that they will still receive physical logbooks despite the country’s transition to a digital platform.

In a statement issued following the official rollout of eLogbooks on June 10, NTSA explained that applications submitted before the transition date would not be affected by the new changes.

NTSA noted that motorists who had already completed their logbook applications before the digital system took effect would continue to be processed under the previous framework and would therefore receive traditional paper logbooks.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns from vehicle owners and stakeholders who were uncertain about the fate of pending applications lodged before the introduction of the electronic system.

Many motorists had sought guidance on whether they would be required to collect physical documents from NTSA offices or access their records online under the new arrangement.

Addressing the concerns, NTSA stated that only applications submitted on or after June 10 would be processed through the newly launched electronic logbook system. The Authority emphasized that there would be no automatic migration of previously submitted applications to the digital platform.

“Kindly note that applications submitted before June 10 will be issued with a physical logbook. Applications submitted on or after this date will be issued with an eLogbook,” NTSA stated.

The introduction of eLogbooks marks a significant milestone in the government’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at modernizing public services and improving efficiency in vehicle registration and ownership management.

Under the new system, vehicle owners will be able to access and verify ownership records electronically, reducing dependence on physical documents that are often vulnerable to loss, damage, or fraud.

According to NTSA, the digital platform is expected to streamline vehicle ownership transactions by significantly reducing processing times and enhancing the security of ownership records.

The Authority noted that eLogbooks will incorporate advanced verification features, including secure online authentication and QR code technology, making it easier for law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and vehicle buyers to confirm the authenticity of ownership documents.

The transition is also expected to curb cases of forgery that have plagued the transport sector for years. With ownership information stored electronically and accessible through secure digital channels, the circulation of fake logbooks is anticipated to become considerably more difficult.

In addition to improving security, NTSA believes the electronic system will offer greater convenience to motorists by enabling easier access to vehicle ownership details from anywhere through approved digital platforms.

The move is also expected to lower operational costs associated with printing, processing, and issuing physical logbooks, ultimately improving service delivery.

The Authority’s clarification was issued just hours after the eLogbook system officially came into effect, signaling the end of paper-based logbooks for newly processed vehicle transactions.

The launch represents a major shift in how vehicle ownership records will be managed moving forward, with digital documentation becoming the standard for future registrations and transfers.

Before the rollout, NTSA had warned motorists and stakeholders about temporary service interruptions as technicians completed the migration from the old system to the new digital platform.

The Authority explained that the planned downtime was necessary to ensure a smooth and secure transition without compromising existing records.

By the morning of June 10, NTSA announced that the migration process had been completed and that all services had resumed normal operations. The Authority further assured the public that support teams remained available to assist users experiencing challenges while accessing the new system.

Motorists seeking to access, download, or authenticate their electronic logbooks have been advised to do so through their NTSA accounts on the eCitizen platform.

The Authority encouraged vehicle owners to familiarize themselves with the new system and utilize official channels for any assistance, emphasizing that the digital transition is intended to make vehicle ownership management more efficient, secure, and convenient for all Kenyans.

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