Matiang'i calls for suspension of NTSA's vehicle inspection plan, terms it flawed

This comes as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) announced that private vehicles older than four years will be subjected to mandatory annual inspections at a cost of KSh2,000 per vehicle, while motorcycles will also attract compulsory inspection charges.

According to the presidential aspirant, the policy is not evidence-based, transparent and is insensitive to the economic realities facing citizens amid soaring fuel prices, insurance premiums, multiple taxes and the cost of living.

"Introducing another compulsory annual payment without demonstrating its necessity places yet another financial burden on households and businesses that are already under immense pressure," he wrote on X.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary therefore called for the suspension of the policy's implementation until it is subjected to public scrutiny to answer a myriad of questions.

He said that clarity must be provided on the number of vehicles set to be affected, the expected annual revenue collection, evidence that it will reduce road accidents and whether NTSA currently has capacity to inspect millions of motorists without causing delays.

"What safeguards have been put in place to ensure that this programme does not become another avenue for rent-seeking and harassment of motorists?" he posed.

He maintained that the matter must be passed through public opinion and NTSA should table all supporting evidence before implementation proceeds.

"Kenya's economic recovery will not be achieved by continually imposing new charges on already struggling citizens. It will be achieved by growing the economy, creating jobs, fighting corruption, improving public services and restoring confidence between citizens and the State," Matiang'i added.

The new regulations will also apply to Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), school vehicles, locally assembled vehicles, vehicles involved in accidents and vehicles that have undergone structural or mechanical modifications.

According to NTSA, Kenya has more than six million registered vehicles. Based on the inspection charges by the authority, the government could potentially collect at least Ksh.12 billion annually if all registered vehicles fell under the categories and paid the set Ksh.1,000 booking fee and Ksh.1,000 inspection fee. 

However, the actual amount collected could be lower since some vehicles, including motorcycles and three-wheelers, attract lower charges (Ksh.200 booking fee and Ksh.300 inspection fee). 

NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa has said the annual inspection requirement is already anchored in law but acknowledged that the 12-month interval may not be sufficient for vehicles that spend most of their time on the road.

He also revealed that NTSA is in the process of operationalising private vehicle inspection centres to boost capacity.

Meanwhile, Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has threatened to rally Kenyans to boycott paying taxes if the government proceeds with the plan.

He said the proposed regulations would further burden Kenyans already struggling with the high cost of living.