Before You Buy That Car in Kenya, Read This First!
How to Avoid Getting Scammed & Check a Car’s Ownership Like a Pro
Buying a used car in Kenya can be the start of freedom - or a very expensive mistake. It’s a bit like dating someone you met on the ‘gram: looks good online, but if you don’t do your homework, you could end up blocked, broke, and wondering what happened.
Before you hand over a single shilling, here's the no-nonsense guide to verifying car ownership in Kenya - so you don’t become the next victim of "buyer beware" - maneno ya shortcuts, wachana nayo.
Why Ownership Checks Matter: Don’t Get Caught in Someone Else’s Drama
In Kenya’s fast-moving car market, vehicles can change hands quicker than a TikTok trend. But behind that shiny finish could be:
- A car with unpaid loans
- A stolen vehicle
- A logbook that belongs to someone’s ex
If you skip ownership verification, you might:
- Lose your money to a fake seller
- End up with a car you can’t transfer
- Get summoned by NTSA over fines you didn’t know existed
Don’t let someone else’s problems become your full-time job. Here's how to verify like a boss:
Step 1: Do an Online Car Owner Search (Yes, It’s Easy!)
Forget “my uncle works at NTSA.” We’re in the era of self-service verification, and it takes less than five minutes.
Use either:
What you’ll need:
- The number plate of the car
- About Ksh 940 via M-Pesa (if using mVerified)
What you’ll get: A Copy of Records (CoR) showing:
- Registered owner’s name
- Logbook number
- Engine & chassis numbers
- Year of manufacture
⚠️ Red flag alert: If the seller’s name doesn’t match the CoR, just walk away. That “deal of the year” could turn into a police report.
Step 2: Check for Caveats, Fines & Pending Drama
Some cars have legal baggage heavier than your aunt’s suitcase at JKIA.
Use your NTSA portal to check:
- If there’s a caveat (legal restriction)
- If there are pending fines or loan attachments
If there’s a caveat, the car cannot be transferred - even if the seller swears it’s “a small issue.” No matter how desperate they sound, don’t fall for pressure tactics like “Hii deal imeiva kuiva!”.
Step 3: Inspect the Logbook Like Sherlock Holmes
Ask for the original logbook. Not a photo. Not a scan. Not “iko kwa nyumba na documents zangu nitakuletea.”
Then cross-check:
- Chassis number
- Engine number
- Reg number
All of this must match what’s on the CoR and the car itself. If anything smells off, assume the worst. There are more legit cars in Nairobi than there are boda bodas in Kisumu.
Step 4: Do the Transfer the Legal Way (NTSA TIMS Portal)
The only real way to transfer ownership in Kenya is via NTSA’s TIMS system. Both you and the seller need TIMS accounts. Here’s the play-by-play:
- Seller logs in, uploads logbook, and starts the transfer.
- You get an SMS - log in, accept, and confirm.
- NTSA processes and issues the new logbook in your name.
Here is a complete step-by-step guide on how to transfer vehicle ownership using the NTSA eCitizen portal.
⚠️ DO NOT pay the full amount until this process is complete and your name is officially on the logbook.
Bonus Tips from the Streets:
- Bring a mechanic. Some issues can’t be seen with the naked eye-like that “new” engine that’s actually older than your grandmother’s radio.
- Be suspicious of unbelievable deals. If the price sounds too good to be true… it’s a trap.
- Write everything down. Verbal promises won’t help when things fall apart. Get receipts. Get everything in writing, including sale agreements and payment receipts.
Want the Easy Way Out? Peach Cars Has You Covered.
At Peach Cars, we’ve already done the background checks for you. Every car on our platform is inspected, verified, and paperwork-approved. No scams, no shortcuts.
We make buying a car in Kenya safer, smarter, and 100x less stressful. All you have to do is browse, pick, and drive.
👉 Check out verified cars here or call us on 0709 726 900 to talk to a human.
Final Word: If It Smells Like a Scam, Talks Like a Scam, It’ll Probably Drive like a SCAM!
