The National Transport and Safety Authority has announced sweeping changes to vehicle registration and ownership in Kenya following the introduction of a new digitised e-Logbook system set to replace traditional paper-based records.
The new system will officially take effect on June 10 and will be fully integrated into the government’s eCitizen platform, according to NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa.
Speaking during the third Annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies Conference at South Eastern Kenya University on Thursday, May 7, Kondiwa said the transition is part of broader government efforts to digitise public services and improve efficiency.
“We are not only bringing services closer to the people by enabling them to access their logbooks electronically, but we are also eliminating bureaucracy and cartels,” Kondiwa stated.
According to the authority, the digitised logbooks will be automatically generated through the NTSA portal, ensuring that vehicle records are updated instantly whenever ownership changes occur.
The authority noted that the new system is expected to significantly reduce fraud that has been common in the vehicle ownership transfer process.
“This eliminates the risk of using an outdated paper logbook and reduces fraud during private vehicle sales,” Kondiwa added.
Under the new arrangement, vehicle buyers and sellers will be able to initiate ownership transfers online without physically visiting NTSA offices.
The digital logbooks will also come with enhanced security features, including encryption and secure hashing technology designed to prevent forgery and unauthorised alterations.
In addition, every e-Logbook will contain a QR code that buyers, banks and insurance companies can scan instantly to verify ownership details and vehicle information.
According to NTSA, preparations for the rollout are in the final stages, with support systems already established to ensure a smooth transition to the new platform.
The authority further described the digital logbooks as more efficient, citing reduced risks of loss, easier access and lower replacement costs compared to paper records.
The move comes as the Kenyan government continues shifting key public services online through digitisation initiatives aimed at improving convenience, transparency and service delivery.