You’ve seen the perfect used car online, maybe on Cheki or Jiji. The price is tempting, the photos look clean. But in Kenya, that excitement can turn into a nightmare real quick if you don’t do your homework. How do you know you’re not buying a stolen vehicle, a flood-damaged wreck from the last long rains, or a car with huge pending fines?
Relax, we’ve got you. This isn’t generic advice. This is your step-by-step, practical NTSA checklist for buying a used car in Kenya. We’ll walk you through the five non-negotiable things you must verify before parting with your hard-earned cash. No fluff, just action.
1. Verify the Logbook & Seller’s Identity (The Foundation)
This is where you start. The logbook is everything. Don’t just glance at it; you must verify its authenticity with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). A fake logbook is the oldest trick in the book, especially with cars sold in busy yards along Mombasa Road or Thika Road.
How to Do a Proper Logbook Check in Kenya
First, match the seller’s National ID to the name on the logbook. No stories. If it’s a company car, ask for the incorporation certificate and a letter of authority.
Then, use the NTSA SMS service. It’s the quickest way. Send the vehicle’s registration number (e.g., KCB 123A) to 2282. You’ll get a reply with the make, model, year of manufacture, and most crucially, the registered owner’s name. Cross-check this with the logbook and the ID.
- SMS Cost: Ksh 30 per query. The best Ksh 30 you’ll ever spend.
- Red Flags: Mismatched names, a seller rushing you, or a logbook that looks too new or feels flimsy.
2. Conduct a Thorough NTSA Search (Beyond the SMS)
The SMS check is good, but for a major purchase, you need the full report. This is your used car checklist deep dive. The NTSA’s Tims portal holds the full history. You need to check for three big things: ownership history, inspection status, and any encumbrances.
An encumbrance means the car is used as loan collateral, usually with a bank or SACCO. If you buy it, the bank can repossess it from you. You can do this search yourself on the NTSA e-citizen portal for a small fee.
- Check for Loans: Ensure the “Encumbrance” section says “None”.
- Verify Inspection Status: See if the motor vehicle inspection is current. An expired inspection means extra costs and hassle for you.
- Ownership Timeline: If the car changes hands every year, that’s a sign of potential problems.
3. The Physical & Mechanical Inspection (Get Your Hands Dirty)
Now, look at the actual car. Never buy a car at night or in the rain. Schedule a viewing in broad daylight. A common trick is to hide rust, paint damage, or leaks with a shiny coat during a downpour or in dim lighting.
Key Areas to Inspect for Kenyan Roads
Kenyan roads and weather are tough. Check the undercarriage for damage from potholes. Look for rust, especially along the wheel wells and under the doors—this is common for cars used in coastal areas like Mombasa due to the salty air.
Check the engine oil and coolant. Milky oil or a sludgy coolant cap can indicate a blown head gasket, a costly repair. Start the engine, listen for knocking sounds. Test drive it yourself. Feel the brakes, listen for suspension creaks over bumps, and see if the steering pulls to one side.
Pro Tip: Drive it to a trusted, independent mechanic. Not the seller’s guy. Pay the mechanic Ksh 2,000-5,000 for a full check. It’s an insurance policy.
4. Check Insurance & Clearance from Kenyan Authorities
A car might be legally owned, but is it legally clear to drive? You don’t want to inherit thousands in police fines or discover it was written off in an accident. This step is part of a complete car buying guide Kenya.
Ask for the current insurance certificate. Call the insurer to verify it’s genuine and ask about the car’s claim history. More importantly, you need a police clearance.
- Police Clearance (Abstract): The seller should provide a recent police abstract proving the car is not reported stolen and has no outstanding arrest warrants linked to its plates.
- Pending Fines: Use the NTSA portal or visit a police station to check for any unpaid traffic fines tied to the registration number. These become your problem once you transfer ownership.
5. Understand the Transfer Process & Hidden Costs
You’ve checked everything and you’re ready to buy. Now, how do you make it legally yours? Don’t just take the logbook and shake hands. The official transfer must be done via NTSA. Agree with the seller on who will bear the transfer fees (usually the buyer).
The seller must sign the logbook transfer section and fill the NTSA Transfer Form (Form RT1). You will need copies of their ID, your ID, the logbook, and the insurance in your name. Submit this at an NTSA office or via their online partners.
Hidden Cost Alert: Factor in the transfer fee (approx. Ksh 1,050), new number plates if needed (Ksh 3,000-5,000), and getting the mandatory motor vehicle inspection done if it’s due (Ksh 1,500-2,500). Budget for these to avoid shock.
The Kenyan Reality: NTSA, Potholes & Your Budget
Let’s talk real Kenya. A 2015 Toyota Premio in good condition might go for Ksh 1.2M in Nairobi, but the same model in Mombasa could be Ksh 1.1M. Prices fluctuate. Always budget at least Ksh 50,000 above the purchase price for immediate fixes, transfer, and a full service.
Consider where the car has lived. A Nairobi-used car has faced brutal potholes and traffic. A coastal car has fought rust. A car from upcountry might have better bodywork but higher mileage. Your vehicle inspection Kenya must account for this.
Finally, the NTSA is your friend here. Use their systems. The SMS to 2282, the e-citizen portal, and their official offices are there to protect you from fraud. Bypassing these checks to save a day or Ksh 500 is how people lose millions.
Final Word: Drive Away with Confidence
Buying a used car in Kenya doesn’t have to be a gamble. Treat it like a process. Start with the NTSA checklist—verify the logbook, do the full online search, and get police clearance. Then move to the physical inspection with a mechanic you trust. Finally, handle the transfer officially and budget for all costs.
Do these five things, and you’ll move from a nervous buyer to a confident owner. You’ll know your car’s history, its legal standing, and its mechanical condition. That peace of mind is priceless on our roads.
