Government auctions often present a golden opportunity for Kenyans to buy affordable, pre-owned vehicles.
These ex-Government cars, commonly known as GK vehicles, are sometimes sold for as low as Ksh100,000. But once you’ve secured the deal, the real task begins—re-registering the car under your name.
On June 26, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) published a notice outlining the steps for registering these vehicles.
If you’re wondering how to register ex-GK vehicles with NTSA, here is a step-by-step guide to get you through it.
How to Register Ex GK Vehicles With NTSA in Kenya
Re-registering a former government-owned vehicle requires proper documentation and a few key steps. NTSA has streamlined the process, but buyers must comply with specific requirements to complete the transfer successfully.
How to Register Ex GK Vehicles With NTSA in Kenya-Secure an Authorisation Letter
Before starting the registration process, you must get an official authorisation letter. This letter should come from the Principal Secretary (PS) of the ministry or parastatal that previously owned the vehicle.
If the car is from the Department of Defence, the authorisation must come directly from that department. This document proves that the vehicle was legally offloaded and can now be owned by a private citizen.
Fill and Submit Prescribed NTSA Forms
You will need to complete and submit two key forms:
- Form A: This is the application for a Provisional Driving Licence (PDL). In this case, it is also used to support vehicle re-registration. It must be filled and signed by the applicant.
- Form C: This form is used for transferring vehicle ownership in Kenya. It must be completed, signed, and stamped by both the disposing institution and the new buyer.
Make sure all details on the forms match your other documents to avoid delays.
How to Register Ex GK Vehicles With NTSA in Kenya-Provide GK Plates and Registration Certificate
You must return the old GK number plates and provide the original GK registration certificate. These documents confirm the car’s identity and link it to the government entity it came from.
If these are unavailable, especially the logbook, the applicant must write a letter to NTSA explaining why the documents are missing.
For vehicles obtained through auctions, you will also need:
- A valid Auctioneer’s Licence
- A copy of the KRA PIN
- Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
These extra documents are necessary to prove that the auction was conducted legally and that the vehicle has passed hands properly.
Submit Buyer’s Documents
To complete the process, the buyer must submit:
- A copy of their National ID
- A copy of their KRA PIN Certificate
- Tape lifts of the engine and chassis numbers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
Tape lifts are physical imprints of the vehicle’s identification numbers used to verify authenticity and prevent fraud.
Pay the Required Duty and Fill a New Entry Form
If duty has not been paid for the vehicle, the new owner must clear it with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Once payment is made, you’ll need to fill a new entry form to formalize the vehicle’s entry into the private registry system.
Note for Ex-Military Vehicles
NTSA has clarified that the requirements for GK number plates and the GK registration certificate do not apply to ex-military vehicles. These have a separate registration process, likely for national security reasons. Buyers of such vehicles must contact NTSA directly for guidance.
