As a new car owner in Kenya, there are several National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) rules and requirements you need to know.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) also has specific requirements that must be met for first-time registration.
For a Brand New Car
When you buy a brand-new car that has never been registered in Kenya or anywhere else, you will begin the process of registration, not an ownership transfer. The car dealership where you bought the vehicle will typically be responsible for handling most of the complicated paperwork.
The dealership will act as your agent in this process. They will take all the necessary import documents from the manufacturer, which prove the car’s origin and specifications. They will then use these documents to apply for the car’s first registration in Kenya.
To begin this process, you, as the new owner, must provide the dealership with a few important personal documents. This will include: A copy of your national ID and KRA Personal Identification Number (PIN) certificate. These documents are essential for the authorities to link the vehicle to you as the official owner.
The dealership will then submit these documents to the NTSA and KRA. When buying a new car, the vehicle is subject to tax, which depends on the car's engine size and value, among other factors.
Once all fees and taxes are settled, the NTSA will process the application for a new logbook and number plates. These are then issued in your name. The new logbook officially confirms your ownership and lists you as the first and only registered owner of that vehicle in Kenya.
After the logbook and number plates are ready, the dealership will hand them over to you. You are then the legal owner, and the vehicle can be used on Kenyan roads without any issues.
While the dealer handles the registration, there are still other legal requirements for you to be a responsible car owner. Every vehicle must have a valid insurance certificate, at least for third-party coverage. You also need a valid driver's license to operate the car.
Registering a Foreign Used Car
For individuals who buy imported used cars from countries like Japan, the registration process is more involved because it starts with customs.
A clearing agent at the port handles the customs clearance and tax payments. They will need documents like the original commercial invoice, the bill of lading, and the export certificate from the car's country of origin. The car must also have a pre-shipment inspection certificate to show it is roadworthy.
Once all the customs procedures and payments are complete, the clearing agent will begin the first-time registration of the vehicle in Kenya. They will apply for a new Kenyan logbook and number plates through the NTSA portal. This logbook will list you as the first registered owner in Kenya.
For Locally Used Cars
When you buy a locally used car in Kenya, it means that the car has already been registered with the NTSA by its previous owner, and you must officially change ownership to your name. In this process, you are required to complete the ownership transfer within two weeks of purchasing the vehicle to avoid any legal issues.
The entire transfer of ownership is handled digitally on the NTSA portal. It involves a two-part process between the buyer and the seller. The seller first initiates the transfer by logging into their eCitizen account and uploading the vehicle's original logbook. They then enter the buyer's details, including their KRA PIN, and pay the required transfer fee. Once this is done, the buyer receives a notification and must log into their own account to accept the transfer request.
After the buyer accepts and submits the request, the NTSA reviews and approves the transfer. A new logbook, now bearing the new owner's name, is then printed and made available for collection at a designated office.
In addition to the new logbook, the new owner must also ensure they have other essential documents, such as a valid third-party insurance certificate and a valid driver's license, to legally operate the vehicle on Kenyan roads.
