The government’s recent proposal to enforce mandatory inspections for private vehicles older than four years has drawn sharp criticism from the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK), which has labelled the initiative as unnecessary and burdensome.
The association has argued that the proposed regulations represent an unjustified attempt to extract more money from Kenyan citizens under the pretext of enhancing road safety. According to MAK, the current inspection system is already riddled with inefficiencies and widespread corruption, particularly in the commercial vehicle sector. The organization claims that most commercial vehicles receive inspection certificates without undergoing proper mechanical evaluations, raising doubts about the effectiveness of expanding the system to private car owners.
MAK contends that the proposed rules, which are part of the draft Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules 2025, are nothing more than a disguised revenue-generation strategy. The regulations would require all private vehicles over four years old to undergo routine inspections, regardless of their mechanical condition. This blanket requirement, they argue, punishes responsible motorists while failing to address the real causes of road accidents in the country.
The government, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport, has defended the proposal, stating that regular inspections are necessary to ensure roadworthiness, cut down on emissions, and reduce the number of accidents caused by mechanical failure. However, the association challenges this logic, asserting that mechanical issues account for only a small fraction of road accidents in Kenya. Instead, the group points to human error and a compromised driver licensing process as the primary contributors to the country’s traffic woes.
According to MAK, the focus should be on fixing the loopholes in driver training and licensing, as well as enforcing existing laws, rather than placing additional financial strain on vehicle owners. The group also expressed concerns that expanding the current inspection system could create new opportunities for corruption, especially if oversight remains weak.
The draft rules also include proposals to reinstate roadside alcohol testing using breathalyzers, blood, and urine tests, with heavy penalties for drivers who refuse to comply. While intended to curb drunk driving, these measures have also sparked debate over their practicality and fairness.
With a 14-day window for public feedback, motorists and transport stakeholders now have the opportunity to voice their concerns before the proposed regulations are potentially enacted. As discussions unfold, the outcome is likely to shape the future of road safety, vehicle compliance, and transport governance across Kenya.
