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Annual Inspection for Private Cars: What the 2026 Rules Say and Where the Court Case Stands
In June 2026, NTSA announced that private cars would join commercial and public service vehicles in needing a yearly inspection. Days later, the High Court suspended that requirement for private vehicles. Here's what was proposed, what the court did, and what it means for you.
What the rules say
The Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 13 of 2026), and an NTSA public notice of 26 June 2026, required:
- An inspection every year for any vehicle more than four years from its date of manufacture, including private cars, from 1 July 2026;
- Fees set out in a schedule for each vehicle category; and
- Penalties of fines reported at up to KES 20,000, and impoundment, for vehicles without a valid inspection certificate.
What the court did
On 1 July 2026, the High Court in Kiambu issued conservatory orders suspending the rules as they apply to private, non-commercial vehicles, along with NTSA's 26 June notice, while a petition challenging them is heard. The orders don't affect commercial, public service, driving school or government vehicles, which were already subject to annual inspection.
NTSA had said its roadworthiness policy would be fully enforced by June 2027.
Where it stands (21 October 2026): we haven't found a public ruling lifting the suspension. Check NTSA's official notices before you book or skip an inspection.
What it means if you're buying
Whatever the court decides, an inspection checks a car's condition today: brakes, lights, emissions. It can't tell you whether the car was in an accident in Japan, or whether its mileage was rolled back before it was shipped.
A CarTrust report covers that history: the original auction sheet and photos, mileage records and the registration timeline. If you're buying, get both: a mechanic's inspection for condition, and a history report for everything before it.