Government auctions can be a great way for Kenyans to acquire affordable vehicles, sometimes at prices as low as Ksh 100,000. These former government-owned vehicles—commonly known as GK vehicles—must, however, be properly re-registered before they can be used legally on public roads.
On June 26, National Transport and Safety Authority issued official guidelines outlining the process. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to register ex-GK vehicles with NTSA in Kenya.
How to Register Ex GK Vehicles With NTSA in Kenya
Re-registering an ex-GK vehicle involves documentation from the disposing government institution, verification by authorities, and payment of applicable duties. Ensuring accuracy at each stage helps avoid delays.
Secure an Authorisation Letter
The first and most important requirement is an official authorisation letter:
- The letter must come from the Principal Secretary (PS) of the ministry or parastatal that previously owned the vehicle
- For vehicles from the Department of Defence, authorisation must be issued directly by that department
This letter confirms the vehicle was lawfully disposed of and can be transferred to private ownership.
Fill and Submit Prescribed NTSA Forms
You must complete and submit the following forms:
- Form A: Application form supporting vehicle re-registration (completed and signed by the applicant)
- Form C: Vehicle ownership transfer form, completed, signed, and stamped by both the disposing institution and the buyer
Ensure all details match your supporting documents to prevent rejection.
Provide GK Plates and Registration Certificate
The buyer must submit:
- The original GK number plates
- The GK registration certificate (logbook)
These documents verify the vehicle’s identity and government ownership history.
If any of these documents are missing, you must write a formal explanation letter to NTSA.
Additional Requirements for Auctioned Vehicles
If the vehicle was purchased through an auction, also provide:
- A valid Auctioneer’s Licence
- A copy of the KRA PIN
- Certificate of Incorporation (for company buyers)
These confirm the legality of the auction and ownership transfer.
Submit Buyer’s Documents
The buyer must present:
- Copy of National ID
- Copy of KRA PIN Certificate
- Tape lifts of the engine and chassis numbers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
Tape lifts are physical imprints used to verify the authenticity of the vehicle’s identification numbers and prevent fraud.
Pay the Required Duty and Fill a New Entry Form
If import duty or related taxes were not previously paid, the buyer must clear them with the Kenya Revenue Authority.
After payment:
- Fill a new entry form
- This formally transitions the vehicle from government to private registration
Important Note for Ex-Military Vehicles
NTSA has clarified that GK plates and GK registration certificates are not required for ex-military vehicles. These vehicles follow a separate registration process due to security considerations. Buyers should consult NTSA directly for guidance in such cases.
Final Advice
Understanding NTSA guidelines on how to register ex GK vehicles is essential for legal vehicle ownership in Kenya. While the process may seem detailed, having the correct documents—especially authorisation letters and verification records—makes registration smooth and stress-free.
Once completed, you can confidently drive your ex-GK vehicle on Kenyan roads, fully compliant with NTSA regulations.
