By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
Kenya, 26 January 2026 - The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) continues to issue fresh guidelines on vehicle ownership, with the latest focusing on the transfer and registration of former government vehicles.
In a public notice issued on Monday, the NTSA cautioned buyers of ex-government, parastatal, or county government vehicles that completing the purchase alone is not sufficient to guarantee full ownership. The authority emphasized that such vehicles must be re-registered to ensure legal ownership and to prevent future complications.
“Purchased an ex-GK, parastatal, or county vehicle? Don’t stop at purchase. Re-register the vehicle to enjoy full ownership and avoid future complications,” the NTSA noted.
According to the authority, re-registering an ex-GK, parastatal, or county vehicle is critical in securing lawful ownership and shielding buyers from liability for traffic offences, penalties, or crimes that may have been committed while the vehicle was under government use. Failure to complete the process could expose new owners to legal and financial risks.
The re-registration process is carried out through the NTSA Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) portal, where buyers are required to submit an application accompanied by the relevant documentation. Once completed, the process ensures that the vehicle’s logbook is officially transferred to the new owner’s name.
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The NTSA further noted that re-registration also ensures compliance with the law, which requires all vehicle ownership transfers to be completed within 14 days of purchase. This step helps maintain accurate records and accountability within the national vehicle registry.
The authority advised buyers to ensure that the seller or the relevant government agency initiates and completes the re-registration process promptly to avoid delays, disputes, or administrative challenges in the future.
