By Erestinah Jane, June 16, 2026
Motor vehicle dealers in Mombasa staged a peaceful protest on Monday against what they described as restrictive regulations by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), warning that the measures are disrupting business operations and threatening thousands of jobs in the vehicle import sector.
Operating under the Independent Vehicle Dealers Association, the traders marched along Moi Avenue before holding a press conference where they called for the immediate review of recent system updates and enforcement guidelines affecting the use of dealer registration plates, commonly known as KD plates.
The dealers argued that changes implemented under Section 24 of the Traffic Act have created bottlenecks in the movement of imported vehicles, increased operational costs and delayed deliveries to customers.
At the centre of the dispute is a requirement that imported vehicles must be fully registered and issued with permanent number plates before leaving Container Freight Stations (CFS) or the Port of Mombasa.
Dealers said the directive has disrupted the long-standing practice of transporting vehicles using temporary dealer plates while registration processes are being finalized.
According to the association, the updated NTSA system requires customs entry numbers to be directly matched with licensed dealer details before movement records can be generated. They argued that the requirement locks out individual buyers and third-party importers who do not possess dealer licences, making it impossible for them to legally move vehicles using KD plates.
Speaking during the protest, Association Chairman Mathew Katili said the regulations have resulted in unnecessary delays and rising business costs.
He said vehicles are spending longer periods in storage yards while awaiting registration, exposing dealers to heavy storage charges and delaying deliveries across the country.
Dealers also accused traffic police officers and NTSA enforcement personnel of arresting drivers transporting vehicles despite operators having complied with statutory licensing requirements.
They warned that continued enforcement of the regulations could have far-reaching consequences for an industry that supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly.
“The sector sustains thousands of young people through vehicle sales, transportation, logistics and support services. Any disruption affects livelihoods across the entire value chain,” one dealer said during the demonstration.
Industry leaders noted that the motor vehicle trade contributes significantly to national revenue and economic activity, cautioning that excessive restrictions could undermine business growth and negatively affect government revenue collection.
The protest follows months of concern among vehicle dealers over tighter controls governing dealer registration plates. Earlier this year, NTSA intensified enforcement, maintaining that KD plates should only be used within the limits prescribed by law.
NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa defended the guidelines, saying the authority was implementing existing legal provisions rather than introducing new restrictions.
“The Authority has not restricted the use of KD plates. The use of dealer’s general licence is provided under Section 24 (1,2,3,4,5,6,7) of the Traffic Act (Cap 403),” Kondiwa said.
He added that vehicles are required by law to be registered before leaving Container Freight Stations.
“As per the requirements of law, vehicles are registered before leaving a CFS, so it is not necessary to use a KD plate on a registered vehicle,” he said.
However, dealers insisted that the current system does not reflect operational realities within the industry and has created unnecessary obstacles that increase costs for both traders and consumers.
The Independent Vehicle Dealers Association has issued an ultimatum demanding that NTSA restore a more flexible automated framework that allows vehicles to move legally while registration procedures are underway.
The dealers warned that failure to address their concerns could lead to prolonged disruptions in the sector, affecting jobs, slowing business activity and impacting the wider economy.
They have called for urgent consultations between NTSA, vehicle dealers and other stakeholders to develop a solution that balances regulatory compliance with efficient business operations.
For now, the traders say they will continue pushing for reforms, insisting that a balanced approach is necessary to protect jobs, support trade and ensure the smooth functioning of Kenya’s motor vehicle industry.
