The days of snapping up a cheap repossessed car at auction and driving off into the sunset are over. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced a stringent "Forced Transfer" protocol, aiming to clean up a sector notorious for fraud and double-dealing.

In a new directive, NTSA has locked the transfer process for vehicles bought via auction, court order, or bank repossession behind a wall of mandatory verification. The move targets unscrupulous auctioneers who sell the same vehicle to multiple buyers or sell cars without the bank's final discharge.

The New "Red Tape" Checklist

Buyers must now navigate a complex digital bureaucracy on the eCitizen portal. The "Alternative/Forced Transfer" option requires a digital paper trail that leaves no room for shortcuts:

• Proof of Legality: You must upload the auctioneer’s license, the specific bank instruction letter, and the newspaper advertisement announcing the sale.
• The DCI Factor: A "tape lift" (chassis number verification) from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is now mandatory to rule out stolen vehicles.
• The 7-Day Wait: The system enforces a mandatory 7-day standstill period for "process verification" before you can even book an inspection.

While this adds friction to the buying process, it is a necessary shield. For too long, Kenyans have bought repo cars only to find themselves entangled in legal battles with previous owners or banks. NTSA’s message is clear: if the paperwork isn't perfect, you don't own the car.