Nairobi — A new government proposal that would require cars older than four years to undergo annual inspections has set off a wave of public anger across Kenya, with motorists accusing authorities of adding yet another cost in tough economic times.
The proposal, gazetted earlier this week by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, introduces a wide range of changes to vehicle regulations — from safety checks to tighter control of school and commercial transport. But it’s the blanket annual inspections that have motorists most alarmed.
According to the government, the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025, are meant to improve road safety, cut emissions, and ensure older cars remain roadworthy.
But for many, the timing and scope of the reforms feel heavy-handed.
“You cannot wake up one morning and decide to inspect over two million vehicles without the infrastructure to support it,” said Charles Munyori, Secretary-General of the Auto Bazaar Association of Kenya.
The proposal would apply not only to private vehicles older than four years, but also to all commercial, school, and public service vehicles. Vehicles would also be inspected after accidents, at the time of registration, and whenever there’s a change in ownership or details.
The regulations come at a time when road safety is under scrutiny, but critics warn that the reforms are being rushed without a clear plan to deal with corruption and capacity gaps within existing inspection centres.
“Right now, some PSVs (public service vehicles) wait over a week for inspection,” said Munyori. “Unless this is fixed, the law will only create more frustration.”
There are currently only a limited number of National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) inspection stations nationwide. The government now wants to license private centres and individual inspectors to expand capacity — a move that could ease the pressure but also raise questions over quality control.
The proposed rules also set out stiff penalties for non-compliance, including fines and legal enforcement.
In addition to general inspections, the government is seeking to clean up school transport. The Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025 would require all school vehicles to have seat belts, fire extinguishers, and telematics systems to track their movements. Drivers and attendants would need to meet new training and qualification standards.
There are also new restrictions on how school buses are used — no private errands without a temporary licence, and only authorised staff can operate or ride in them.
Meanwhile, the Traffic (Drink Driving) Rules, 2025 would strengthen enforcement against driving under the influence. Approved breathalysers and blood or urine testing will be used to confirm intoxication. Refusing to comply with a test could lead to fines or licence suspension.
Repeat offenders face tougher sanctions, including revocation of their licences.
The broader reforms also target commercial vehicles, setting out standards for speed governors, underride protection, and driver behaviour. Operators will be expected to provide training, enforce working hours, and meet operational protocols such as designated routes and pick-up procedures.
Government officials say the proposed changes are overdue. But industry insiders like Munyori say they risk failing unless corruption is rooted out.
“If some PSVs are already paying bribes to get inspection stickers, what will stop this from becoming just another racket?” he said.
There are also questions about whether the move is aimed at clamping down on illegally imported vehicles. Munyori says this issue is largely under control, thanks to Kenya Revenue Authority vehicle tracking.
Still, with over 2.1 million vehicles potentially affected and little infrastructure in place, the proposal has opened a fresh fault line between citizens and a government seen as quick to enforce but slow to support.
As public consultations begin, many are asking a simple question: Is this about safety — or revenue?