Mombasa Car Dealers Hit Streets Over NTSA Clampdown on KD Plates

Car dealers in Mombasa have protested changes to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) system. They say new enforcement of rules governing KD number plates has crippled their operations.

The Independent Car Dealers Association wants a consultative meeting with NTSA. The dealers say the dispute over KD number plates must be resolved urgently.

NTSA Cracks Down on KD Plate Misuse

NTSA enforced Section 24 of the Traffic Act in April. The law governs dealer registration plates — known as KD plates. It bars dealers from carrying passengers or goods for profit. It also limits plate use to inspections, tests, vehicle transfers between dealers, and exportation to East African countries.

Dealers say the enforcement has introduced barriers that did not exist before. They argue the changes have slowed vehicle movement from the Port of Mombasa and Container Freight Stations (CFS) to showrooms and customers.

What the KD Number Plate Changes Mean for Dealers

Association Chairman Mathew Katili said the new NTSA system now requires a customs import entry to apply for a driver’s movement registry. He described this as unworkable for licensed dealers.

“The requirement that vehicles be fully registered before leaving CFS facilities has significantly slowed down delivery timelines and increased operational costs,” Katili said.

He added that the association supports using a customs entry number to generate movement registers. However, he said NTSA must not tie the requirement to individual importers. Individual importers are not licensed dealers. They cannot access the NTSA portal to generate movement permits.

“Making the matching of customs entry number and dealer’s details mandatory creates unnecessary procedural rigidity,” Katili said. “This delays vehicle release and delivery, especially where vehicles are already registered in customers’ names.”

Dealers Warn of Economic Fallout

Katili questioned how the government would meet revenue targets in the Sh4.82 trillion 2026/2027 budget. He argued that enforcement measures were undermining business growth. He called for more inclusive regulations for motor vehicle dealerships.

Dealer Jacob Mutinda said the problem starts at the system level. NTSA’s April update introduced a new customs entry requirement. Mutinda holds a valid dealer licence. He has paid all required fees. Yet the new requirement blocks him from transporting vehicles.

“The system says the import entry is for an importer. When you have brought your car and have been allocated a number, you can’t use the KD plate for transportation because you don’t have a dealer’s licence,” Mutinda said.

Dealer Issac Omollo said traffic police have since been apprehending licensed dealers. This happens even when dealers have paid for their KD number plates. Omollo called for a return to the previous system.

Association Demands Talks With NTSA

The dealers staged a peaceful protest along Moi Avenue in Mombasa on Tuesday. They carried placards and KD number plate signs near the Mombasa Tusks monument. They called on NTSA to engage them before implementing further changes.

Association Vice Chairperson Joseph Kamiti said the standoff has hurt businesses and affected families. He added that it has undermined service to customers.

The Independent Car Dealers Association says it remains open to dialogue. However, it insists that any solution must remove the structural barriers the new system has created.