The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revealed that it collects between KSh 9 billion and KSh 10 billion annually from vehicle inspections, licensing, and regulatory fees. However, the agency retains only a small portion of this revenue, limiting its ability to implement critical road safety measures.

NTSA Director General Nahashon Kodhiwa disclosed this during a session with the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure held at NTSA's Nairobi headquarters on August 11, 2026.

Request to Retain Revenue

Kodhiwa explained that current laws require NTSA to remit nearly all of its own-source revenue to the National Treasury, leaving the agency underfunded. He proposed that NTSA be allowed to retain KSh 3 billion annually to directly finance interventions aimed at reducing road accidents.

The funds would support initiatives such as:

  • Rolling out digital number plates equipped with microchip technology to track vehicles and curb identity cloning.
  • Enhancing the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) for better regulatory compliance.
  • Expanding nationwide road safety campaigns.
  • Strengthening compliance checks across the transport sector.

Parliamentary Support and Recommendations

George Kariuki, chairman of the transport committee and Ndia MP, expressed strong support for the proposal, emphasizing that retaining more revenue would enable NTSA to better address Kenya's high road fatality rates.

Other MPs, including Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West) and Zaheer Jhanda (Nyaribari Chache), encouraged NTSA to collaborate closely with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) to prioritize road sections needing urgent safety improvements.

While the committee backed the revenue retention plan, it advised caution against imposing blanket speed limits on highways, warning such measures could increase traffic congestion. Members also called for balanced reforms in the boda boda and matatu sectors that improve safety without harming livelihoods.

Additional suggestions included enhanced coordination with county governments and leveraging the Constituency Development Fund to train youth in transport safety and management.

Next Steps

The committee concluded its engagement with a visit to NTSA’s motor vehicle inspection unit on Likoni Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, signaling ongoing oversight and support for the authority's mandate.