#vehicle inspection

Joan Reals, known as 4Real_KE, transitioned from medical school to become a prominent automotive expert and content creator in Kenya. She specializes in vehicle inspection services and provides educational content aimed at helping motorists avoid costly mistakes when purchasing used vehicles. Reals has gained recognition for her efforts to expose common frauds in the motor industry through her social media presence.

A Senate committee has revealed the origins of the National Transport and Safety Authority's (NTSA) annual vehicle inspection program. According to the report, the inspections are mandated by the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, established under Legal Notice No. 13 of 2026, which provides the legal framework for the inspections.

The High Court has intervened to halt the National Transport and Safety Authority's (NTSA) directive requiring annual inspections for private, non-commercial vehicles. Justice Francis Kyambia issued conservatory orders suspending the enforcement of the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules after a legal challenge was raised against the new mandate. This decision provides temporary relief to millions of private car owners, according to Nairobi Wire.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) plans to require annual inspections for all private vehicles starting in 2026. However, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of public service vehicles (PSVs) that the NTSA currently inspects, which are described as still being unsafe. Questions remain about the agency's ability to effectively implement this new requirement while addressing existing safety issues.