The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced key efficiencies in the motor vehicle transfer of ownership process, making it faster and more user-friendly.

Before purchasing a vehicle, NTSA advises buyers to search the authority’s portal to obtain a copy of the vehicle records for crucial information that enables buyers to make informed decisions.

In the Monday, September 8, 2025 statement, NTSA added that the entire transfer of ownership process is now fully digital. Sellers can now initiate the transfer online, and buyers accept it through the same portal, eliminating the need for physical forms or multiple visits to NTSA offices. Payments are seamlessly made through the E-Citizen platform.

”The process is paperless. The seller initiates the transfer online, the buyer accepts digitally; no physical forms or multiple visits to the NTSA office are required.” NTSA said.

Internal verification and approval procedures have also been streamlined from numerous manual stages into a simplified digital workflow, cutting down the application completion time to just a few minutes. To enhance transparency, each transaction generates a unique Application ID, allowing both parties to track the progress in real time.

Logbook collection

Security has also been strengthened with system-logged approvals and digital audit trails that reduce the risk of fraud. Upon successful completion, logbooks are processed within three working days.

”Upon completion of the transfer process, the certificate of ownership/logbooks are processed within 3 working days. After the 3 days have lapsed, proceed to collect the logbook from the centre identified during the application process.” NTSA said.

In cases where an application is rejected, the seller is instantly notified via SMS with clear reasons for the decision. Importantly, rejected applications can be corrected and resubmitted at no additional cost.

However, the NTSA has warned against bribery, urging Kenyans never to pay unofficial fees to access its services. The authority added that any individual approached with offers to fast-track applications should immediately report the matter to the nearest NTSA office or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

The Authority also reminded motorists that operating a vehicle under the previous owner’s name without completing the transfer process within 14 days, as provided in the Traffic Act, constitutes an offence.