NTSA to Phase Out Physical Vehicle Logbooks as Kenya Adopts Digital e-Logbook
NTSA will phase out physical vehicle logbooks from June 10, 2026, replacing them with secure digital e-Logbooks aimed at reducing fraud, improving efficiency, and enabling real-time vehicle ownership verification.
By Ruth Sang
National Transport and Safety Authority has announced the full transition from physical vehicle logbooks to digital e-Logbooks, marking a major shift in Kenya’s motor vehicle registration system.
The new e-Logbooks will officially take effect on June 10, 2026, with the authority moving all registration and ownership records to the [eCitizen platform](https://www.ecitizen.go.ke?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
According to NTSA, the transition is aimed at eliminating inefficiencies associated with paper-based systems, including fraud, delays, forgery, and manual processing errors.
“The e-Logbook will enable us to shift from a reactive, paper-based registry that is prone to fraud, delays, and errors to a proactive, real-time digital system with strong integrity controls and automated lifecycle management,” NTSA said.
Under the new system, vehicle ownership details will be updated instantly through the NTSA portal, reducing risks linked to outdated physical logbooks during vehicle sales and transfers.
The authority said the digital logbooks will feature encryption technology and secure hashing systems to prevent forgery and enhance the security of ownership records.
Additionally, each e-Logbook will include a dynamic QR code that buyers, financial institutions, insurers, and law enforcement officers can scan to instantly verify ownership and authenticity.
“Banks and SACCOS can directly verify ownership and lien status via the NTSA system, reducing the need for physical file copies and speeding up loan approvals for vehicle financing,” NTSA stated.
The authority added that vehicle transfers will now be initiated and completed online without the need for physical visits to NTSA offices.
NTSA also said the digital system will reduce replacement costs associated with lost logbooks while enabling motorists to receive automatic reminders for renewals and compliance requirements.
Law enforcement agencies will also be able to verify vehicle ownership, insurance validity, inspection history, and stolen vehicle records in real time through the centralized database.
“Police and inspection units can query the e-logbook database live to confirm ownership, stolen status, insurance validity, and inspection history. This improves compliance checks and recovery of stolen vehicles,” NTSA added.
The authority says the move is part of broader efforts to digitize transport services and strengthen transparency and accountability within Kenya’s transport sector.
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