NTSA PHASES OUT PHYSICAL LOGBOOKS, SET TO LAUNCH DIGITAL VEHICLE REGISTRY

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a shift in motor vehicle registration in Kenya, confirming that physical logbooks will be phased out and replaced entirely by electronic logbooks, or e-Logbooks, effective June 10, 2026. 

The new system will be rolled out through the eCitizen platform, marking the authority’s transition from manual, paper-based processes to fully automated digital operations.

According to a statement released by NTSA on Thursday, the e-Logbook will allow the authority to move away from a paper-driven registry that has long beenvulnerable to fraud, delays, andhuman error. In its place, the authority promises a proactive, real-time digital system equipped with strong integrity controls and automated lifecycle management. 

Unlike the traditional logbook, which required physical handling and carried risks of loss or tampering, the e-Logbook will be generated instantly from the NTSA portal, ensuring that vehicle information is updated without delay.

NTSA explained that the new system eliminates the danger of relying on outdated paper documents and significantly reduces fraudulent activities, particularly during private vehicle sales. The e-Logbook uses digital encryption and secure hashing technology to protect motor vehicle owners against forgery and other forms of fraud commonly associated with paper versions. 

Additionally, each e-Logbook will feature a dynamic QR code that buyers, financial institutions, and insurers can scan to instantly verify both authenticity and current ownership, thereby making transactions faster and far more secure.

The authority further highlighted that banks and SACCOS will now be able to directly verify ownership and lien status through the NTSA system, which reduces the need for physical file copies and accelerates loan approvals for vehicle financing. Vehicle sellers and buyers will also benefit from the ability to initiate transfers entirely online, eliminating the need to visit NTSA offices in person. 

NTSA noted that e-Logbooks come with a lower risk of loss and reduced replacement costs, making them a more efficient option for motorists. Other advantages of the e-Logbook system include automated reminders for insurance renewals and vehicle inspections, while law enforcement officers will be able to verify compliance instantly without requiring a physical document.