The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a warning to motor vehicle dealers and showroom operators over unregistered vehicles.
Director General (DG) George Njau in a notice issued on Friday directed motor dealers to register all their vehicles by Monday, December 16, 2024.
“Following the completion of the initiative, the Authority notes that several motor vehicle dealers are holding unregistered vehicles within their premises (showrooms and yards) contrary to the requirements of the Traffic Act, Cap 403,” the director general said.
“To this end and through this Notice, the Authority directs all motor vehicle dealers to complete pending motor vehicle registration applications by Monday 16th December 2024.”
NTSA Gives Motor Dealers Ultimatum Over Unregistered Vehicles
Njau warned that failure to comply would result in severe consequences, including the impoundment of unregistered vehicles.
“Law enforcement agencies are advised to impound vehicles operating without registration plates, those illegally using Kenya Dealer Plates (KD) and charge the respective dealers and owners,” the director general said.
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George Njau stated that the directive was issued after it was discovered that motor vehicle dealers are keeping unregistered vehicles within their premises.
The government’s directive comes in the wake of a recent multi-agency revalidation exercise involving NTSA, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Financial Reporting Center (FRC), and the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS).
According to NTSA, the operation revealed numerous non-compliant operators across the country, prompting the government to take action.
ADVERT
“Following the completion of the initiative, the Authority notes that several motor vehicle dealers are holding unregistered motor vehicles in their premises, contrary to the requirements of the Traffic Act, Cap 403,” read the notice by Njau in part.
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Reason For Registration
The exercise aims to ensure compliance with relevant legal provisions and to eliminate non-compliant dealers operating illegally within the country.
The DG noted that industry experts believe some dealers delay vehicle registration to avoid depreciation in value over time,
This practice, he said, violates the Traffic Act and creates loopholes the government is determined to close.
According to Njau, the compliance directive is also aimed at boosting revenue collection through registration fees.
Currently, the cost of registering a vehicle range between Ksh1,700 and Ksh16,000, depending on the engine capacity.
NTSA has urged all stakeholders to comply promptly to avoid penalties and ensure adherence to the law.
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