Govt Notice on Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025

(a) The proposed Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2025, have been made pursuant to section 119 (g) of the Traffic Act. The main objective of the proposed Rules is to provide structured legal framework for the inspection of motor vehicles aimed at promoting roadworthiness, reducing emissions and enhancing the overall safety of road transport.

Specifically, the Rules seek to—

(i) introduce mandatory inspection for motor vehicles over four years old and all commercial, school and public service vehicles;
(ii) provide for pre-registration, post-accident and change-of-particulars inspections;
(iii) classify and regulate salvage vehicles including their inspection and re-registration procedures;
(iv) establish the standards and processes for issuing inspection stickers;
(v) provide for licensing and regulation of private vehicle testing centres and inspectors; and
(vi) introduce penalties and enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance with inspection requirements.

(b) The proposed Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2025, have been made pursuant to sections 105B (3) and 119 (p) of the Traffic Act. The objective of the proposed Rules is to provide a comprehensive framework for the safe, professional and regulated transportation of school-going children in Kenya.

Specifically, the Rules seek to—

(i) establish a licensing framework for school transport providers and vehicles;
(ii) prescribe minimum safety standards and vehicle requirements including seat belts, fire extinguishers and telematics systems;
(iii) define qualification standards for school drivers and attendants;
(iv) regulate the conduct and responsibilities of drivers, attendants and crossing guards;
(v) outline operational protocols including designated hours of operations and boarding procedures;
(vi) prohibit the use of school transport vehicles for unauthorized private purposes without a temporary licence;
(vii) prescribe standards for signage, colour coding and marking of school vehicles; and
(viii) introduce offences and penalties for non-compliance alongside an appeal mechanism.

(c) The proposed Traffic (Drink Driving) Rules, 2025, have been made pursuant to section 109 (1) (na) of the Traffic Act. The objective of the proposed Rules is to strengthen the legal and enforcement framework for preventing and penalizing driving under the influence of alcohol.

Specifically, the Rules seek to—

(i) prescribe legal alcohol limits for drivers;
(ii) prohibit operation of motor vehicles while intoxicated beyond the prescribed limits;
(iii) provide for alcohol testing using approved breathalysers, blood and urine samples;
(iv) outline the procedure for conducting tests and handling specimens;
(v) define the consequences of refusing to provide specimens when requested by law enforcement;
(vi) establish rules for the admissibility of test results in court; and
(vii) provide a graduated penalty regime for repeat offenders including suspension and revocation of driving licences.

(d) The proposed National Transport and Safety (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2025, have been made...