Commercial vehicles carrying passengers or goods for hire in Kenya require a Road Service Licence from NTSA, which authorises the specific vehicle (not just the driver) to operate commercially on a defined route or for a defined purpose.
Fee Summary Table
| Vehicle Capacity Tier | Indicative Licence Fee |
|---|---|
| 6–8 passenger capacity vehicles | Approximately Ksh. 2,700 |
| Other capacity tiers | Fee scales with seating/carrying capacity |
Source: NTSA fee schedules as reported in 2023–2024 NTSA service charge reviews. NTSA has previously proposed substantial increases to these tiers — always confirm the current rate on the TIMS portal before budgeting.
What You Need
- Vehicle logbook and registration documents
- A valid certificate of insurance
- A valid certificate of fitness/inspection
- Route or operational area details, where applicable
- Proof of ownership or hire-purchase documentation
Fees Are Under Periodic Review
NTSA proposed major fee increases across dozens of services in 2023 to address a funding deficit, including a proposed jump in the 6–8 passenger road service licence from roughly Ksh. 2,700 to Ksh. 5,400. Whether and when such proposals take full effect can change, so verify the current rate directly on the TIMS portal rather than relying solely on older published figures.
Motor vehicle operating licence fees in Kenya are tiered by vehicle capacity rather than flat-rated, and the schedule has been subject to proposed revision in recent years — build in a buffer when budgeting and double-check current rates before committing to a fleet expansion.
