Ensuring your vehicle meets the required standards for safety and emissions is critical for both legal compliance and road safety. In Kenya, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is responsible for vehicle inspections, which are mandatory for various vehicle categories. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking your vehicle’s inspection status, booking an inspection, the associated costs, and more.
Whether you’re looking to check your vehicle’s inspection progress or need to know which vehicles require an inspection, this article provides all the essential details.
How to Check Vehicle Inspection Status in Kenya
Checking your vehicle’s inspection status has become much easier thanks to the NTSA self-service portal. Here are the steps to check the status of your vehicle inspection:
Step 1: Download the NTSA App or Access the NTSA Portal
- NTSA App: First, download the NTSA app from the Google Play Store if you haven’t already.
- TIMS Account: To use the NTSA services, you must create a TIMS (Transport Integrated Management Systems) account. This account is required for accessing all the NTSA services.
How to Create a TIMS Account:
- Navigate to the TIMS portal and click on the Register option under the Individuals tab.
- Enter your ID serial number (not the ID number), KRA pin, and mother’s maiden name.
- Fill in your occupation and mobile number.
- A verification code will be sent to your mobile. Enter the code to verify and complete the registration process.
Once your TIMS account is set up, you can proceed to check your vehicle’s inspection status.
Step 2: Check Inspection Status Using the NTSA Portal
- Log in to your TIMS account on the NTSA portal or via the NTSA app.
- Navigate to the Vehicle Inspection Services section.
- You will be able to see the current inspection status of your vehicle, including whether it is pending, completed, or has failed the inspection.
Alternatively, you can also check the vehicle inspection status by sending an SMS with your vehicle’s registration number to 22846.
How to Book a Motor Vehicle Inspection
Booking a motor vehicle inspection is essential to ensure your vehicle complies with road regulations. Here’s how to book an inspection:
- Visit the NTSA Website: Go to www.ntsa.go.ke and log in to your TIMS account.
- Navigate to the Motor Vehicle Inspection tab.
- If you are a new customer, select “New Car Booking” and enter your vehicle’s registration number.
- For annual inspections, select the “Annual Booking” option and enter your vehicle’s registration number.
- Choose your preferred inspection station and a convenient date and time for the inspection.
- Make the payment via Mpesa, Airtel Money, or a debit/credit card.
- After completing the payment, click “Complete” and print the inspection booking receipt.
Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation, and you can proceed to the inspection station at the scheduled time.
Which Vehicles Are Taken for Inspection in Kenya?
In Kenya, vehicle inspections are mandatory for different vehicle types depending on their age and purpose. According to the Traffic Amendment Bill 2021, the following vehicles are subject to inspection:
- Private Vehicles: All private cars older than four years from the date of manufacture must undergo inspection every two years.
- Commercial Vehicles: Public service vehicles, taxis, school buses, and trucks must undergo a pre-registration inspection and subsequent annual inspections.
- Imported Vehicles: Private vehicles imported into Kenya are exempt from inspection for the first two years if they were inspected prior to importation.
- Salvage Vehicles: Vehicles that have undergone significant damage or repairs must pass a salvage vehicle inspection.
- Modified Vehicles: Any changes in a vehicle’s structure (e.g., engine swap, changes in height or width) require a modification inspection.
Motor Vehicle Inspection Cost in Kenya
The cost of vehicle inspection depends on the engine capacity and type of vehicle. The NTSA has set inspection fees as follows:
- Motorcycles: Kshs. 1,300
- Three-wheelers and vehicles up to 3000cc: Kshs. 2,600
- Vehicles over 3000cc: Kshs. 3,900
- Trailers up to 5 tons: Kshs. 2,000
- Trailers over 5 tons: Kshs. 4,600
- Heavy commercial vehicles over 5 tons: Kshs. 4,600
For private vehicles, inspection fees range from Kshs. 2,000 to Kshs. 3,500, depending on the engine capacity.
How to Check Your Vehicle’s Inspection Report
After your vehicle has undergone inspection, you can check the inspection report to see if it passed or failed. To access your vehicle inspection report:
- Log in to your TIMS account on the NTSA website or app.
- Navigate to the Vehicle Inspection Page.
- Download the inspection report which will indicate the outcome of the inspection and any required repairs or adjustments.
More About Vehicle Inspections in Kenya
The vehicle inspection process in Kenya ensures that vehicles comply with safety and environmental standards. During the inspection, various parts of the vehicle are examined:
- Tires and wheels
- Exterior and interior of the car
- Safety belts
- Lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, etc.)
- Steering and suspension
- Brakes and emergency brakes
- Exhaust system
- Windshield wipers
- Battery
- Fluid levels
The goal of the inspection is to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive and complies with the required emission standards.
Conclusion on How to Check Vehicle Inspection Status in Kenya
Thanks to the NTSA portal and TIMS, checking your vehicle’s inspection status has become simpler than ever. You can now track the progress of your vehicle’s inspection, book appointments, and even pay for inspections online. Ensuring that your vehicle is inspected and meets road safety standards is crucial for both your safety and legal compliance.
Follow the outlined steps to check your vehicle’s inspection status, and ensure your vehicle passes inspection to avoid fines or roadblocks.
