If you have a car or motorcycle in Kenya, it’s time to get your papers in order. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a new vehicle update tool to ensure all vehicle owners—whether you drive a matatu, Probox, or ride a boda boda—have their records and tax status up-to-date.
George Njao, NTSA Director General, said this new tool will make it easy for individuals and organizations to be compliant. But it’s not just for personal vehicle owners—banks, government agencies, insurance companies, car dealerships, and any other entity with vehicles on the road will also need to update their records.
How to Update Your Vehicle Records: Step-by-Step
To update your vehicle records, follow these simple steps:
1. Write a Duty Record Update Request Letter
Write a request letter to NTSA to update your vehicle records. In the letter include your contact details—phone number and email address.
2. Gather Your Required Documents
Bring the following documents with your request letter:
- A copy of your ID (for individuals) or company registration documents (if you represent an organization)
- The original vehicle logbook
- The KRA entry document
- The duty payment receipt
3. Visit the NTSA Office in Person
Unfortunately this process requires a physical visit to the nearest NTSA office. When you submit your documents NTSA will stamp a copy of your request letter as proof they’ve received everything.
4. Wait for Document Verification
NTSA will process your application within 7 working days but this clock starts only when they’ve verified your documents are complete and correct. If your documents are incomplete you’ll have to start the process again.
Picking Up Your Updated Documents
After NTSA processes your records they will notify you when your updated documents are ready for collection. You can collect them Monday to Friday during business hours.
Bring:
- The stamped request letter you received when you submitted your documents
- Your original ID (or authorization letter if you represent an organization)## What About the Duplicate Logbook?
After your records are updated you can apply for a duplicate logbook. You can do this through the eCitizen portal but there’s a KES 2,550 fee for the new logbook. Good news is the logbook will be ready for collection in 3 working days.
The record update is free but the logbook replacement is the only cost involved in the process.
Be Careful of Scammers
While the NTSA process is simple, be aware: no one should ask for a fee to fast-track your application. If you’re contacted by someone claiming they can influence the process for a fee, report them immediately to avoid being scammed.
Why Is This Important?
This is important to keep your vehicle’s records accurate and all road legal vehicles in good standing with the Kenyan government. Whether you are an individual or an organization, updating your vehicle’s tax status and records is key to avoiding future fines or complications