NTSA issues urgent notice to Kenyans over pending vehicle ownership transfers

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued an urgent notice to Kenyan motorists regarding numerous pending vehicle ownership transfer applications on its online service portal. The authority warned that sellers are still recognized as legal owners until buyers complete the consent process. According to a notice published on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, many sellers have initiated transfers but buyers have failed to log in and either accept or decline the applications. Until buyers consent, sellers remain registered owners of the vehicles.

The NTSA stressed the importance of buyers logging into the NTSA Service Portal through eCitizen and finalizing the transfer process without delay. The notice also highlights potential issues for motorists who have paid for and taken possession of vehicles but have not completed the formal ownership transfer. NTSA provided step-by-step instructions for buyers to complete outstanding transfer applications by logging into their accounts on the portal, selecting the relevant notification, and either accepting or declining the request.

Accepting the transfer requires providing necessary details and submitting the application for approval, after which an electronic logbook (eLogbook) is generated.

NTSA emphasized that the process is conducted online and takes one day. Buyers who decline the transfer will receive a notification, and sellers must ensure the application is finalized to avoid legal complications. The authority cited Section 9 of the Traffic Act, which states that a transferred vehicle cannot be used on roads for more than 14 days without the new owner's registration.

The notice serves as a reminder for sellers to complete the online process and follow up on pending consent requests to ensure accurate ownership records.

The NTSA introduced electronic motor vehicle registration certificates to modernize vehicle registration and reduce paper-based delays. The eLogbook system, which went live on June 10, 2026, allows users to access and verify their registration certificates through their eCitizen accounts. The authority has also introduced QR-code verification for electronic logbooks.

Motorists are advised not to share personal information with third parties, as official service alerts are sent only through the short code NISA. For assistance with pending applications, motorists should contact NTSA through its official support channels.