Common Reasons Cars Fail NTSA Roadworthiness Tests in Kenya

By Magari Poa on 04/10/2025

In Kenya, all vehicles must undergo periodic NTSA (National Transport and Safety Authority) roadworthiness inspections to ensure they are safe for use on the road. These inspections are mandatory for PSVs (matatus, taxis, ride-hailing cars, school vans, etc.) and recommended for private vehicles.

However, many cars fail the roadworthiness test due to issues that could have been avoided with proper maintenance. Below are the most common reasons cars fail NTSA inspections – and what you can do to prevent them.

1. Faulty Brakes

Worn brake pads or discs.
Leaking brake fluid.
Uneven braking (car pulls to one side).
? Fix: Replace worn pads/discs, check brake fluid regularly, and have the braking system tested before inspection.

2. Defective Lights

Broken or missing headlights, tail lights, indicators, or brake lights.
Dim or flickering bulbs.
? Fix: Always check all lights before inspection and replace any faulty bulbs.

3. Worn-Out Tyres

Bald tyres with insufficient tread depth.
Uneven wear due to poor wheel alignment.
Cracked or bulging sidewalls.
? Fix: Replace tyres before they are completely worn out and do regular wheel alignment and balancing.

4. Emissions & Exhaust Problems

Excessive smoke (black, blue, or white smoke from the exhaust).
Leaking exhaust pipes or mufflers.
? Fix: Service the engine regularly, clean injectors, and repair any exhaust leaks.

5. Suspension & Steering Issues

Worn-out shock absorbers.
Loose steering systems.
Excessive body roll or unstable handling.
? Fix: Inspect suspension and steering components before testing and replace faulty parts.

6. Cracked Windscreens & Faulty Wipers

Windscreens with major cracks obstructing vision.
Worn or non-functioning wiper blades.
? Fix: Replace cracked windscreens and install new wipers before inspection.

7. Poor General Condition

Loose body panels, mirrors, or bumpers.
Rust damage to critical areas such as the chassis.
Broken seatbelts or missing safety features.
? Fix: Do a general vehicle check and repair all visible defects before presenting the car.

8. Logbook & Documentation Issues

Vehicle presented with missing or mismatched records (e.g., chassis number, logbook details).
? Fix: Ensure your logbook, insurance, and inspection documents are valid and match the car's physical details.

Quick Pre-Test Checklist

? Brakes work evenly
? All lights are functioning
? Tyres have enough tread
? Exhaust has no leaks, smoke is minimal
? Suspension and steering feel stable
? Windscreen is clear, wipers work
? Seatbelts are intact
? All documents are in order

Final Word

Failing the NTSA roadworthiness test is not only inconvenient but can also ground your car from operating—a huge loss for taxi drivers, matatus, and ride-hailing operators. Most failures are caused by basic maintenance issues, so fixing them in advance saves both time and money.