The Motorists Association of Kenya has strongly opposed the government’s move to introduce mandatory annual inspections for private vehicles, terming the proposal “evil, exploitative and unjustified.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, June 24, the association criticised the new regulations, accusing the state of ignoring the financial strain already burdening car owners.
“This proposal is not only unjustified but stands as a testament to shameless greed and an unrestrained appetite to squeeze Kenyan motorists dry, without conscience or care for the economic agony already borne by vehicle owners,” the association stated.
The motorists further condemned the current inspection framework for commercial vehicles, claiming it is riddled with corruption. According to them, more than ninety per cent of commercial vehicles obtain inspection stickers without undergoing proper checks.
“It is a revenue-collection spectacle rife with corruption and backdoor dealings. Now, inspired by this lucrative chaos, conspirators within the government seek to replicate this circus at the expense of law-abiding private vehicle owners,” the statement read in part.
Dismissing claims that private vehicles are the leading contributors to road accidents, the association blamed the spike in fatal crashes on driver error—mainly by commercial vehicle operators—and the government’s failure to maintain road infrastructure.
“Deadly potholes, absent road signage, unmarked bumps and narrow highways are the real killers. Yet the government casually dismisses these as mere black spots, instead of accepting blame for poor road design and neglect,” the motorists added.
The association also faulted the Ministry of Transport for allegedly disregarding repeated appeals for meaningful traffic reforms, accusing it of being detached from the concerns of ordinary road users.
They are now demanding the immediate suspension of what they have labelled as an “illegal and immoral” regulatory proposal.
The protests come a week after the Ministry of Transport published the 2025 Traffic and Transport Regulations, which include mandatory annual inspections for private vehicles more than four years old from the date of registration.
The gazette notice, dated June 18, also outlines plans to standardise inspection procedures and introduce penalties for non-compliance.
