The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a stern "Red Alert" to thousands of Kenyans driving ex-government vehicles: re-register now or lose your ride.

In a fresh directive that could leave many motorists grounded, the regulator has warned that merely paying for an ex-GK, ex-parastatal, or ex-diplomatic vehicle at an auction does not constitute legal ownership. The authority has flagged a growing trend where buyers skip the mandatory civilian re-registration process, leaving these vehicles in a legal limbo that poses significant security risks and complicates asset tracking.

The "Paperwork" Trap

Many buyers assume that the auctioneer’s receipt and the physical handover of the vehicle seal the deal. The NTSA asserts this is a dangerous fallacy. Without completing the transition from "GK" (Government of Kenya) status to civilian plates, the vehicle legally remains state property. This omission exposes "owners" to severe consequences, including impoundment during police crackdowns or inability to claim insurance in accidents.

To plug this gap, the NTSA has rolled out a stringent, non-negotiable re-registration protocol available exclusively via the NTSA Service Portal. The message is clear: regularize your status or face the law.

• Mandatory Clearance: Applicants must produce an authorization letter signed by the respective Principal Secretary (PS) or the Department of Defence (for military units).
• Forensic Verification: A tape lift of the chassis and engine numbers by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is now a prerequisite to rule out component tempering.
• The "Form C" Hurdle: A specific transfer document (Form C) must be signed and stamped by both the disposing government entity and the buyer—a step often ignored in the excitement of the auction.

Security and Compliance

"Purchased an Ex-GK vehicle? Don't stop at purchase," the NTSA advisory reads. The crackdown is partly driven by security concerns, as vehicles with lingering government tags can be misused to bypass security checks or perpetrate crimes under the guise of official business.

For the thousands of Kenyans holding these assets, the grace period is effectively over. The regulator has shifted the burden of proof entirely to the buyer. If you are driving a former government workhorse without a civilian logbook, you are technically driving a stolen state asset. The time to regularize is today.