DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has announced that the united opposition will challenge the government’s planned annual inspection of private vehicles older than four years. He said the opposition believes the proposed regulation is unlawful and will impose an unnecessary financial burden on motorists.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, June 29, Wamalwa revealed that the opposition had instructed lawyer Ndegwa Njiru to file a petition against the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). He maintained that the policy would further strain Kenyans already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Opposition Heads to Court
Wamalwa said the legal challenge will focus on both the practicality and legality of the proposed annual inspections. He argued that the regulation places additional costs on vehicle owners without considering the prevailing economic situation.
“We are going to court to challenge the practicability and the illegality of this policy,” Wamalwa said. He added that the opposition would proceed with the case despite NTSA’s recent clarification on the implementation of the regulations.
According to the former Defence Cabinet Secretary, many households continue to face increasing financial pressure. He questioned why the government would introduce another requirement that could increase motorists’ expenses.
“We have instructed our lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, to be in court to challenge that regulation,” Wamalwa said. “Kenyans are stretched. How much more do you think Kenyans can take?”
NTSA Clarifies Enforcement
Wamalwa’s remarks came shortly after NTSA issued a statement addressing public concerns over the new regulations. The authority clarified that traffic police officers will not enforce mandatory inspections for private vehicles during routine road checks.
“During route checks, traffic officers shall not enforce the mandatory inspection requirement on private motor vehicle owners,” NTSA said. The authority added that it would communicate the implementation timeline through official channels at a later date.
The clarification followed widespread public concern over reports suggesting motorists would immediately face penalties for non-compliance. NTSA indicated that enforcement would not begin until further notice.
School Transport Operators Get Relief
The transport regulator also announced temporary relief for school transport operators under the new regulations. It said operators would not face penalties for failing to comply with certain technical requirements.
According to NTSA, authorities will not enforce Rule 13 on reflectorised red stop mechanical signal arms. They will also suspend enforcement of Rule 14, which requires school vehicles to install telematic systems.
“School transport operators shall not be penalized for non-compliance with Rule 13 and Rule 14 of the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026,” the authority stated.
Commercial Vehicles Also Exempt
NTSA extended similar relief to commercial service vehicle operators regarding telematics requirements. The authority confirmed that operators would not face penalties for failing to install the systems during the transition period.
“Commercial service vehicle operators shall not be penalized for non-compliance with paragraph d (Telematic system) of the NTSA (Operations of Commercial Vehicles) Regulations, 2026,” the statement added.
Despite the regulator’s clarification, Wamalwa insisted that the opposition would continue with the planned court case. He argued that the legal challenge seeks to stop what he described as an unfair policy before authorities fully implement it.
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