Fresh Legal Blow as Second Petition Seeks to Halt NTSA Vehicle Inspection Rules

Sheria Mtaani files a second High Court petition to suspend the Traffic Inspection Rules 2026.

A second case was filed at the High Court by Sheria Mtaani on June 28, 2026, with the same case citing, among others, the Traffic Motor Vehicle Inspection Rules, 2026.

Advocate Shadrack Wambui filed the urgent case at the Constitutional and Human Rights Division with orders to stop several rules before the effective date of July 1, 2026.

The advocate is arguing that the rules are in breach of the Constitution and public participation before they roll out.

“These rules shall expose millions of Kenyan drivers to compulsory inspections, exorbitant financial penalties, criminal sanctioning and potential confiscation and loss of vehicle due to de-registration,” Wambui argues.

Also Read: Fresh Twist as Lawyer Moves to Block NTSA Mandatory Vehicle Inspection Rules

Vehicle Inspection Rules: Age-Based Mandates and Unilateral De-registration Concerns

According to court papers, the rules make inspection mandatory for all privately owned motor vehicles at least once a year, once a car is four years old after the date of manufacture.

The petition further outlines that Kenya is home to over six million licensed motor vehicles, of which the majority are second-hand units imported into the country and are expected to be covered under the new rules.

This petition claims that Rule 3(1) makes an unreasonable blanket inspection requirement that only depends on the age of a vehicle.

“It is irrational to implement mandatory inspection that only triggers based on chronology, irrespective of a vehicle’s current condition,” Wambui states.

Rule 12(2) also faces a challenge.

Wambui says it allows an inspector to unilaterally classify a vehicle as unroadworthy and order permanent de-registration without notice, hearing, compensation, or right of appeal.

“The rule authorizes permanent de-registration without notice, hearing, appeal or compensation, contrary to the Constitution,” he states.

Also Read: NTSA Issues Fresh Update on Mandatory Vehicle Inspection Rules for Private Motorists

Legal Challenge to Vague Legislation and Discriminatory Rules

The petition challenges Rule 30 (1) (d), by making it an offence to attempt to ‘circumvent’ the rules, without even spelling out the act that is prohibited.

Wambui says the poorly drafted legislation could be used by unscrupulous law enforcement officers for arbitrary arrests and prosecution of innocent Kenyans.

Wambui says the rules discriminate against low- and middle-income earners.

The petitioner states that NTSA issued a notice dated 26th June 2026 to 28th June 2026 and put it up at various bus termini, warning its own inspectors and police to stay the implementation of the rule.

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