Government vehicle auctions offer Kenyans a chance to buy affordable cars, sometimes at prices as low as Ksh 100,000. These vehicles, commonly referred to as ex-GK (ex-Government of Kenya) vehicles, must however be re-registered before they can be legally used on public roads.
On June 26, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) issued official guidelines detailing how buyers should register ex-GK vehicles. This guide breaks down the step-by-step NTSA process for registering ex-GK vehicles in Kenya, including all required documents and special considerations.
How to Register Ex-GK Vehicles With NTSA in Kenya
Registering a former government vehicle involves additional checks compared to ordinary car transfers. The process ensures the vehicle was lawfully disposed of and is safe to enter private ownership.
Secure an Authorisation Letter
The first and most important requirement is an authorisation letter.
- The letter must be issued by the Principal Secretary (PS) of the ministry or parastatal that previously owned the vehicle
- It confirms the vehicle was officially offloaded and approved for transfer to a private individual
- For vehicles from the Department of Defence, the authorisation must come directly from that department
Without this letter, NTSA will not process the registration.
Fill and Submit Prescribed NTSA Forms
You are required to complete and submit two official NTSA forms:
- Form A – Used as part of the application supporting vehicle re-registration. It must be filled and signed by the applicant
- Form C – The standard vehicle ownership transfer form in Kenya. It must be completed, signed, and stamped by both the disposing government institution and the buyer
Ensure all details match across documents to avoid delays.
Provide GK Number Plates and Registration Certificate
You must surrender:
- The original GK number plates
- The original GK registration certificate (logbook)
These documents confirm the vehicle’s identity and its link to the government institution that previously owned it.
If any of these documents are missing, you must write a formal explanation letter to NTSA detailing why they are unavailable.
Additional Requirements for Auctioned Vehicles
If the ex-GK vehicle was acquired through an auction, you must also submit:
- A valid Auctioneer’s Licence
- A copy of the KRA PIN
- Certificate of Incorporation (if the buyer is a company)
These documents prove the auction was lawful and properly conducted.
Submit Buyer’s Documents
The buyer is required to provide:
- A copy of their National ID
- A copy of their KRA PIN Certificate
- Tape lifts of the engine and chassis numbers obtained from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
Tape lifts are physical imprints used to verify the authenticity of the vehicle’s identification numbers and prevent fraud.
Pay the Required Duty and Fill a New Entry Form
If import duty or other taxes were not previously settled:
- The buyer must clear the outstanding duty with the Kenya Revenue Authority
- After payment, a new entry form must be completed to formally move the vehicle into the private registry system
This step finalizes the vehicle’s legal transition from government to private ownership.
Special Note for Ex-Military Vehicles
NTSA has clarified that ex-military vehicles follow a separate registration process.
- The requirement to surrender GK number plates and GK registration certificates does not apply
- Buyers of ex-military vehicles must contact NTSA directly for tailored guidance due to national security considerations
Final Advice
Learning how to register ex-GK vehicles with NTSA is essential if you want to legally own and drive a former government car in Kenya. While the process involves multiple documents and approvals, it becomes straightforward once everything is in place. Always verify paperwork before purchase, especially at auctions, to avoid costly delays later.
