Motorists in Kenya could soon be required to take their vehicles for annual inspections if a proposal backed by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir is approved. The move, aimed at improving road safety standards, seeks to ensure all vehicles on Kenyan roads are mechanically fit and safe for use.
Speaking during a session with Members of Parliament, Chirchir defended the proposal, saying frequent vehicle inspections would help reduce accidents linked to mechanical failures. According to the CS, poor maintenance of vehicles remains one of the factors contributing to road crashes, making regular checks necessary to protect lives.
The government is considering new transport regulations that would require private vehicles older than four years to undergo mandatory inspections every year. Currently, many vehicles are inspected after longer periods, something authorities believe leaves room for unsafe vehicles to remain on the roads unnoticed.
Chirchir revealed that establishing fully equipped government vehicle inspection centres is a costly undertaking, with each facility estimated to cost approximately KSh300 million. Due to the high cost, the ministry is exploring partnerships with licensed private inspection centres to make the service more accessible across different parts of the country.
The proposed changes form part of broader efforts by transport authorities to tighten safety measures and improve compliance among motorists and public service vehicle operators. Officials say stricter inspection requirements could help identify worn-out brakes, faulty tires, defective lights, and other mechanical issues before they lead to fatal accidents.
The proposal has, however, sparked debate among lawmakers and motorists. Some legislators questioned whether the country has adequate infrastructure to support annual inspections without causing delays and inconvenience to vehicle owners. Concerns were also raised about the possibility of increased costs being passed on to ordinary Kenyans already struggling with a high cost of living.
Despite the concerns, Chirchir insisted that the reforms are necessary if the country is to reduce road carnage, which continues to claim thousands of lives every year. He maintained that improving vehicle safety standards should be treated as a national priority.
The ministry has assured Kenyans that public participation and consultations with stakeholders will continue before the regulations are fully implemented. Authorities say the goal is to create a fair and practical system that improves road safety while avoiding unnecessary burdens on motorists.
