Nairobi — Vehicles above four years old will soon be subjected to mandatory inspection under a new legal framework aimed at improving road safety, reducing harmful emissions, and ensuring overall roadworthiness.
The directive will affect commercial, school, and public service vehicles.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, in a gazette notice, asserted that the directive seeks to establish a structured framework for the inspection of motor vehicles across the country.
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These include pre-registration checks, post-accident evaluations, and inspections when changes are made to a vehicle's registration details.
"The main objective of the proposed Rules is to provide a structured legal framework for the inspection of motor vehicles aimed at promoting roadworthiness, reducing emissions and enhancing the overall safety of road transport," read the notice in part.
Additionally, salvaged vehicles will be classified under new guidelines and subjected to a re-registration process to ensure they meet safety and mechanical standards.
Under the new proposals, vehicle inspection stickers will be standardized, and a regulatory structure for the licensing of private vehicle testing centers and inspectors will be implemented.
The rules also introduce penalties for non-compliance, empowering the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to enforce inspections and ensure strict adherence to the new measures.
Additionally, the government has proposed the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025, aimed at professionalizing and regulating the transportation of school-going children.
This will be done through establishing a licensing framework for school transport providers and vehicles, prescribing safety standards such as seat belts and fire extinguishers, and setting qualification requirements for drivers and attendants.
The rules also prohibit the unauthorized use of school transport vehicles for private purposes and require distinct signage and markings to identify them.
To address the dangers of impaired driving, the proposed Traffic (Drink Driving) Rules, 2025, seek to strengthen the legal and enforcement framework against driving under the influence of alcohol.
These rules introduce specific legal alcohol limits, allow for testing using breathalyzers and biological samples, and lay out the consequences for drivers who refuse to be tested.
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A graduated penalty system will apply to repeat offenders, including the suspension and possible revocation of driving licenses.
The government also intends to implement the National Transport and Safety (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2025, with a focus on enhancing safety and professionalism within the commercial transport sector by introducing licensing requirements for vehicle owners, operators, and drivers.
