NTSA sounds alarm over uncollected logbooks as deadline nears
By Mustafa Juma, July 14, 2026The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has renewed its appeal to motorists to collect their unclaimed physical logbooks, warning that only five months remain before the documents are disposed of under the agency’s records management policy.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, NTSA reminded vehicle owners who still have printed logbooks awaiting collection at its offices to pick them up as soon as possible to avoid disruptions when accessing vehicle-related services.
The reminder follows an earlier directive issued in June, under which the Authority announced that it would no longer retain uncollected physical logbooks beyond six months as Kenya transitions to a fully digital vehicle registration system.
“In reference to the Public Notice issued by the Authority on Thursday, 11th June 2026. It is five months to the deadline, and we urge all motor vehicle owners who still have their logbooks at NTSA offices to collect them as soon as possible to avoid any inconveniences,” the Authority said.
Collection is free
NTSA clarified that collecting a logbook does not attract any fee.
Motorists have been advised to visit the designated collection centre or NTSA office carrying their previous logbook together with a valid identification document for verification before the document is released.
“Collection of logbooks is free. Carry the previous logbook and present your identification document at the collection centre/NTSA office for verification purposes,” NTSA stated.
The Authority also directed members of the public to use its official customer support channels, including NTSA offices, Huduma Centres, telephone lines and email addresses, for any enquiries regarding uncollected logbooks.
Vehicle owners can also check whether their logbooks, number plates or driving licences are awaiting collection through NTSA’s online service status portal.
Why the deadline matters
According to NTSA, failure to collect the printed documents before the expiry of the six months could create challenges when seeking services that require proof of vehicle ownership.
The Authority has previously warned that clients applying for services that require a logbook may be unable to complete their applications without attaching the current or original logbook where applicable.
The move is also intended to clear the backlog of thousands of uncollected documents occupying storage space in NTSA offices across the country.
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Shift to e-logbooks
The warning comes as NTSA continues implementing one of the biggest reforms in Kenya’s transport sector, the transition from paper-based logbooks to electronic logbooks (e-logbooks).
The digital system, which officially went live in June 2026, enables vehicle owners to access, verify and download their registration certificates directly through their eCitizen accounts without visiting NTSA offices.
Under the new platform, vehicle ownership records are updated instantly after registration or transfer, reducing delays that were common under the manual system.
The e-logbook also incorporates security features such as digital encryption, secure hashing and QR code verification to reduce forgery and fraud associated with paper documents. Financial institutions, insurers and prospective buyers can verify ownership electronically before completing transactions.
Existing logbooks remain valid
Despite the digital transition, NTSA has clarified that motorists who already possess valid physical logbooks should continue keeping them safely, as they remain recognised proof of ownership during the transition period.
Only newly generated registration certificates are now issued electronically, while existing paper logbooks remain legally valid unless replaced through a subsequent transaction.
With five months remaining before the disposal deadline, NTSA is urging motorists not to wait until the last minute.
The Authority says collecting the documents early will help motorists avoid unnecessary inconveniences and ensure they continue accessing vehicle registration services without interruption as Kenya fully embraces digital motor vehicle records.