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

Nairobi lawyer Charles Mugane has moved to the High Court seeking to suspend the implementation of the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) mandatory vehicle inspection regulations, arguing that they were introduced without adequate public participation.

In a petition filed on Monday, June 29, Charles Mugane is asking the High Court to halt the implementation of the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, pending the hearing and determination of the case.

He added that the new vehicle inspection regulations violate constitutional requirements on public participation and fair administrative action, rendering them unlawful.

Charles Mugane Seeks to Halt NTSA Vehicle Inspection Rules

Charles Mugane argued that NTSA failed to adequately involve members of the public and stakeholders in the transport sector before introducing the new rules, maintaining that the lack of meaningful public participation makes the regulations unconstitutional.

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

He also challenged the Ksh 2,000 inspection fee and the Ksh 20,000 fine introduced under the new regulations.

Additionally, Charles Mugane highlighted that the charges amount to unlawful levies imposed without the necessary legal backing and should therefore be declared unconstitutional.

He further noted that the High Court should suspend the implementation of the mandatory vehicle inspection rules until the petition is heard and determined.

The petition now awaits directions from the High Court on the next steps in the matter.

New Inspection Rules Introduced to Vehicle Owners

The petition comes two days before the NTSA’s nationwide vehicle inspection, set to begin on Wednesday, July 1.

Under the rules, every vehicle more than four years old from its date of manufacture will undergo an inspection test once every year.

Also Read: NTSA Introduces Strict New Rules for School Buses and Drivers

This will apply to private and public vehicles, government vehicles, and commercial vehicles with tractors, golf carts, motorised pedal cycles and all-terrain vehicles exempted.

In addition, vehicle owners will be required to pay for inspection bookings in regard to the NTSA’s published fee structure for all vehicle classes.

Owners of vehicles below 3,000cc will pay a booking fee of Ksh1,000 to NTSA and an inspection fee of up to Ksh1,000 charged by the inspection centre.

On the other hand, motorcycle and three-wheeler owners will pay a Ksh200 booking fee and a maximum inspection fee of Ksh300, totalling to Ksh500.

A vehicle that successfully passes inspection will be issued with an inspection report and an inspection sticker, which must be displayed on the vehicle.

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Charles Mugane Challenges NTSA Vehicle Inspection Rules. Photo/ Charles Mugane/ FB