Court halts enforcement of NTSA’s annual private vehicle inspection
By Zipporah Ngwatu, July 1, 2026A Kiambu High Court has temporarily halted the implementation of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) new private motor vehicle inspection rules.
Justice Francis Nyungu Kyambia issued the conservatory orders on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, after certifying the application filed challenging the NTSA’s new rules as urgent.
The conservatory orders blocks NTSA from implementing the new rules of inspecting motor vehicles, including private non-commercial ones.
“That a conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending the operation and enforcement of Rules 3(1) Rule 12(2), Rule 16(4), Rule 30(1) (d) and the first schedule of the traffic (motor vehicle inspection) Rules 2026 (Legal notice No. 13 of 2026 in so far and to the extent that it applies to private non-commercial vehicles,” Judge Nyungu ordered.
Further, the court has also suspended the NTSA gazette notice dated June 26, 2026, that was published notifying the public of the new rules and intended inspection.
“That a conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending the first respondent notice dated and published on June 26, 2026, in so far and to the extent that it requires annual inspection of private non-commercial vehicles,” Judge Nyungu ordered.
Notably, the court has stated that the conservatory orders granted today shall remain inforce until when the application will be heard.
Under the new rules, all privately owned and government vehicles older than four years from the date of manufacture would be required to undergo annual mandatory inspections.
Several petitions have been filed at the High Court challenging the implementation of the said rules.
The petitioners argue that NTSA introduced the new rules before conducting public participation adding that the rules if implemented shall subject motorists go unconstitutional fees and penalties.
They also argue that rules create harsh criminal sanctions, adding that they impose extreme punitive offences in terms of unfair imprisonment not exceeding six months, plus hefty fines on conviction or both.
The matter will be heard on July 22, 2026.