Buying a used car in Kenya: the complete checklist
Last updated · Cada car guides
Before you pay for a used car in Kenya: run an NTSA motor vehicle search on eCitizen to confirm the registered owner, chassis number and any caveat or financier; match the logbook, chassis and engine numbers to the car; get an independent mechanical inspection; test-drive it cold; compare the price with similar cars; then pay through a traceable channel and complete the NTSA transfer on eCitizen the same day. Never pay a deposit for a car you have not seen in person.
| Ownership check | NTSA motor vehicle search on eCitizen |
|---|---|
| Legal owner | The registered owner on NTSA records (Traffic Act s.8) |
| Seller must notify NTSA | Within 7 days of the transfer (Traffic Act s.9) |
| Buyer may drive unregistered | No more than 14 days after transfer (Traffic Act s.9) |
| Financed car? | Look for a financier on the NTSA record; it must be discharged first |
The checklist
- Ask for the registration number and run an NTSA search on eCitizen. Check the owner's name, chassis number, engine number, and any financier or caveat.
- Meet the registered owner, or a person with written authority, and see their ID matches the record.
- Check the chassis and engine numbers on the car itself against the search and the logbook.
- Ask for service records and receipts. Gaps in history are a reason to pay less or walk away.
- Have an independent mechanic or garage inspect the car, including a diagnostic scan.
- Test-drive from a cold start, on rough road and at highway speed.
- Compare the price with similar cars on sale and with a valuation.
- Agree the price in a written sale agreement with both IDs, the car's details, mileage and payment terms.
- Pay by bank transfer or another traceable channel; avoid cash.
- Complete the transfer on eCitizen: the seller initiates, you accept, the fee is paid, and NTSA re-issues the logbook in your name.
- Insure the car in your name before you drive it away.
Red flags
- The seller is not the registered owner and has no written authority.
- Pressure to pay a deposit to "hold" the car before you have seen it.
- Mileage that looks too low for the car's age or wear.
- Fresh paint on only some panels, uneven panel gaps or overspray on rubber seals.
- The NTSA search shows a financier but the seller says the loan is paid.
Common questions
Is there stamp duty on a car transfer in Kenya?
No. Kenya does not charge stamp duty on motor vehicle transfers; you pay the NTSA transfer fee shown on eCitizen.
Who pays the transfer fee?
It is agreed between buyer and seller. The seller initiates the transfer on eCitizen, and the fee is paid there.
On Cada
Sources
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the authority named in the sources before you pay.