Motor vehicle dealers in Mombasa have protested new enforcement measures by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on the use of Kenya Dealer (KD) number plates, saying the regulations have disrupted operations and increased costs.
The traders, through the Independent Motor Vehicle Dealers Association, say the changes have made it difficult to move imported vehicles from the Port of Mombasa and Container Freight Stations (CFS) to showrooms and customers.
Association Secretary-General Mathew Kilu said dealers support efforts to curb misuse of KD plates but faulted the implementation of the new rules. “We support NTSA’s mandate of ensuring road safety and compliance, but the current implementation has severely disrupted our operations,” said Mr Kilu.
He said many vehicles imported by individual buyers are registered in the owners’ names before leaving the port, making it difficult for dealers to obtain movement permits because the NTSA system only recognises companies.
According to the dealers, a directive issued by NTSA on April 11, 2026, requires movement permits to include import entry numbers, dealer licence details and importer information.
They argue that linking customs entry numbers to specific importers has created delays because individual importers cannot access the NTSA platform to generate permits.
The traders say the problem has persisted for nearly three months, leading to increased storage charges at the port and CFS facilities, delayed deliveries and reduced profit margins.
Some dealers also claim they have been arrested while transporting vehicles using KD plates.
Mr Isaac Omollo said he was arrested in Mtito Andei despite conducting legitimate business.
Dealers further argue that the regulations disadvantage independent traders by effectively limiting access to KD plates to companies. Mr Kilu said dealers pay Sh37,000 for each KD plate and questioned why some licences were rendered unusable after the new measures took effect. The traders have called on NTSA to engage stakeholders and develop a framework that allows legitimate vehicle movement while maintaining accountability.
