In Kenya, the Traffic Act (CAP 403), Section 9, mandates that any motor vehicle or motorbike must have its ownership officially transferred within fourteen days of changing hands. This regulation is also noted on the reverse side of the vehicle’s logbook.
Essentially, this means that as soon as you sell your vehicle or motorbike, you must initiate a transfer of ownership, and the new owner must accept it.
This ensures that the logbook is updated to reflect the new owner’s name within the specified timeframe. But how exactly does one go about transferring a logbook in Kenya?
How to Do a Logbook Transfer in Kenya
Transferring a logbook in Kenya involves two main steps. First, the seller (current owner) initiates the transfer, and then the buyer (new owner) accepts the ownership.
Before diving into the three simple steps for initiating a logbook transfer as the seller, it’s important to know the cost of the transfer. The charges vary based on the engine capacity of the vehicle, as per the NTSA service guide:
- Vehicle up to 1000cc: Ksh 2,210
- Vehicle 1001-1200cc: Ksh 2,440
- Vehicle 1501-1700cc: Ksh 2,960
- Vehicle 1701-2000cc: Ksh 3,245
- Vehicle 2001-2500cc: Ksh 4,395
- Vehicle 2501-3000cc: Ksh 5,505
- Vehicle over 3001cc: Ksh 6,465
- Trailer with less than four wheels: Ksh 1,580
- Trailer with four or more wheels: Ksh 2,240
- Tractor: Ksh 1,580
Now that you’re aware of the transfer charges, let’s move on to the steps involved in the logbook transfer process.
Step 1. Log in To Your eCitizen Account
The first step in transferring a logbook is to log in to your eCitizen account, which is the platform used for this process. You can access your account by visiting https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/
Enter your login credentials to access your account. Once logged in, you’ll see your details displayed at the top of the page, confirming that you’re in the correct account.
Next, navigate to the “Agencies” section and select “National Transport And Safety Authority (NTSA)” (NEW). Follow the prompts to log in to the NTSA portal. Once logged in, you’ll see a dashboard displaying the vehicles registered under your name.
Find the vehicle you wish to transfer and click on “View” next to it.
Then, click on “Motor Vehicle Services” to proceed with the transfer process.
Step 2. Apply For Vehicle Transfer
Start by clicking “Apply” on the “Vehicle Transfer” tab.
On the following page, verify that all the vehicle details are correct.
Scroll down to the “Written Off” section and select the appropriate answer. For a functional vehicle, choose “No.”
Attach a colored copy of the old logbook in PDF format in the space provided.
Once you’ve completed these steps, click “Next” to continue.
Select the “Type of Ownership.”
In the “New Owners” section, enter the new owner’s KRA PIN and click on the “Search” button. The rest of the fields will automatically populate with the new owner’s details.
Scroll down and click on “Preview” to review the information. If everything is correct, proceed to the next step.
On the next page, confirm that all the details you’ve provided are accurate. If everything is in order, scroll down and click “Submit” to complete the application process.
Step 3. Make Payment
Navigate to the “Payment” tab, where you’ll find several payment options. Choose the one that suits you best and pay the specified amount.
After completing the payment, you can download the payment receipt from the next window.
At this point, the first part of the transfer process is complete. The next step is for the buyer (new owner) to accept ownership of the logbook.
As the new owner, you should log in to your eCitizen account by visiting https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/
How to Accept Ownership of The Logbook
Once logged in, proceed to the New NTSA Portal as described earlier and follow the steps to accept ownership of the logbook.
Step 1. Accept Request For Consent
After logging in to your NTSA account, you’ll see a notification at the top asking you to either accept or decline the Request for Consent.
This message will display the vehicle’s registration number and the name of the person who initiated the transfer. If all the details are correct, proceed by selecting “Accept” to confirm the transfer of ownership.
Step 2. Enter Collection Details
In the following window, you’ll need to provide details for collecting the logbook.
Choose your preferred Notification Method. You can opt for both email and SMS.
Select the Logbook Counter Collection Office where you’ll pick up the new logbook registered in your name.
Scroll down to the “Authorized Person to Collect Logbook” section. The person collecting the logbook doesn’t necessarily have to be you; it can be anyone you authorize. However, you must provide their details here. If you initially enter your details but later decide to send someone else, they must present your ID at the collection office.
Enter the ID Number and First Name of the person collecting the logbook and click “Search.” The bottom fields will automatically fill with the person’s details.
Provide the notification phone number and email address. Once completed, check the Declaration box to confirm that the information provided is complete and true, then click “Preview.”
On the next page, verify all the details and click “Submit” to complete the logbook acceptance process.
NTSA will then begin processing the new logbook and will notify you once it’s ready for collection. According to their social media updates, the process typically takes 3 working days.
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In conclusion, transferring a logbook in Kenya is a straightforward process that involves logging into your eCitizen account, applying for the transfer, and making the necessary payment.
Once the transfer is initiated by the seller, the buyer needs to accept ownership to complete the process. As you navigate through these steps, ensure that all details are accurate to avoid any delays. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle with a clear ownership history can enhance its value.
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