With the government often offloading its vehicles, many Kenyans have ended up with pre-owned vehicles with GK number plates.
On June 26, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) published the requirements for re-registering such vehicles in a notice.
"Simple steps to follow when applying for re-registration of ex-GK vehicles belonging to Parastatals, GK and County government entities," part of the notice read.
Firstly, one needs an authorisation letter from the respective Principal Secretary of the department offloading the vehicle or from the Department of Defence.
A prescribed application Form, "A," duly filled and signed by the applicant, is also required, as well as the GK number plates or a retention letter from the disposing institution.
Form "A" is the application form for a Provisional Driving License (PDL) in Kenya, issued by the NTSA.
The next requirement needed is a GK registration certificate and the number plate. In case the logbook is not available, the applicant is required to write a letter informing the authority.
A prescribed application Form "C" duly filled, signed, and stamped by the disposing institution and the buyer is also required. This is the application for transferring motor vehicle ownership in Kenya.
If the vehicle is obtained through auction, several extra documents, including a valid Auctioneer's License, a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN and a Certificate of Incorporation, should also be provided.
Copies of the KRA PIN Certificate and National ID of the buyer are also required, as well as a tape lift of the chassis and engine numbers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
A new entry form is required after paying the duty for those who have not done so.
It is, however, important to note that the number plates and the GK registration certificate do not apply to ex-military vehicles.
The state often signs several deals with motor vehicle manufacturers to supply brand-new vehicles on lease and is consequently forced to dispose of hundreds of used cars through mass auctions, sometimes for as low as Ksh100,000, leading to several Kenyans taking advantage of the low prices.
