The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has proposed drastic increases in fees for motorists and car dealers,sparking concerns among the public. The draft proposal outlines significant rises in charges for services like vehicle inspections, registration, color changes, and license renewals.
One of the most significant proposed increases is for changing a vehicle’s color, jumping from Sh 500 to a staggering Sh 20,000. This represents a 4,000% increase that is sure to deter many motorists from making even minor modifications to their vehicles.
Vehicle inspections are also set to become considerably more expensive. Cars under 3000cc will see a 100% increase in inspection fees, rising from Sh 1,000 to Sh 2,000. Cars exceeding this engine capacity will face an even steeper 150% increase, with fees rising from Sh 1,000 to Sh 2,500.
Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) are not spared from the proposed hikes. Fees for road service licenses will increase by 100% for all categories, with vehicles carrying 6-8 passengers seeing the most significant rise from Sh 2,700 to Sh 5,400.
Motor vehicle registration fees will also go up by 100% for vehicles under 1000cc and those between 1001cc and 1200cc.Vehicles over 3000cc will see a 93% increase, making registration significantly more expensive.
The proposed increases extend to the transfer of ownership fees as well. Vehicles under 1,000cc will see a staggering 500% increase, with fees rising from Sh 1,660 to Sh 10,000.
Car dealers will be hit the hardest by the proposed fee hikes. New car dealers will face a staggering 2,300% increase in license renewal fees, rising from Sh 4,200 to a whopping Sh 100,000. Used car dealers will also see a significant increase of 1,100%, with fees jumping from Sh 4,200 to Sh 50,000.
NTSA board member Paul Posh justified the proposed increases by citing the need for financial sustainability and rising service costs. However, these justifications have failed to appease motorists and car dealers who fear the added financial burden.
With the proposed fees still in draft stage, public hearings will be held to gather feedback before implementation. The final decision on these significant increases remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: motorists and car dealers in Kenya are bracing for a potential financial blow.
