Motor vehicle dealers in Mombasa have criticised stricter enforcement measures introduced by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) governing the use of Kenya Dealer (KD) number plates, arguing that the new rules are disrupting operations and causing significant financial losses across the sector.
Dealers say that although they support efforts to enhance accountability and prevent abuse of dealer plates, the current implementation of the regulations has created logistical hurdles that are putting pressure on hundreds of small and medium-sized vehicle dealerships.
Speaking on behalf of the industry, Mathew Kilu, Secretary General of the Independent Motor Vehicle Dealers Association, said the revised requirements have made it increasingly difficult for dealers to transport imported vehicles from the Port of Mombasa and Container Freight Stations (CFS) to showrooms or customers.
Mr Kilu noted that many vehicles imported on behalf of individual buyers are registered in the owners’ names before they leave the port. As a result, dealers are unable to obtain movement permits under the current NTSA system.
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According to him, the challenge arises because the NTSA platform only recognises registered companies, effectively locking out individual importers who rely on dealers to facilitate the transfer and delivery of their vehicles.
He further argued that the requirement linking customs entry numbers to specific dealer details has introduced unnecessary administrative procedures and delays. While the association supports the use of customs documentation to improve traceability and accountability, it believes the system should not be tied exclusively to licensed dealers when many vehicle owners are private importers.
The dealers say the issue has persisted for nearly three months, creating uncertainty within the industry and slowing the movement of imported vehicles. They warn that unless the regulations are reviewed, the continued bottlenecks could further affect business operations and increase costs for both dealers and customers.
