Regulatory & compliance · Domestic household goods
Kenya
Company registration and a KRA PIN, plus, where the mover operates its own commercial service vehicles, an NTSA Commercial Service Vehicle Operator Licence issued annually (a new regulatory framework as of 2025 to 2026)
Regulated byCommercial Service Vehicle Operator Licence issued annually by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), applicable to operators of commercial service vehicles with tare weight exceeding 3,048kg; company registration and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN certificate required; consumer protection under the Competition Act No. 12 of 2010, administered by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK)
At a glanceRequirements at a glance
- Company Registration and KRA PIN Required
- Yes. A mover needs a company registration certificate and a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN certificate. These, with proof of physical address, are also the application documents for the NTSA operator licence.
- Commercial Service Vehicle Operator Licence Required
- Yes
- Yes, where the mover operates its own commercial service vehicles, and the framework is new. Commercial vehicle operators must obtain a Commercial Service Vehicle Operator Licence, issued annually by NTSA, applicable to commercial service vehicles with a tare weight exceeding 3,048kg. This shifts accountability from individual drivers to the business operating the fleet, requiring the operator to demonstrate proper operational systems and compliance standards. Where a mover subcontracts road transport, the carrier’s own licence covers the transport it performs, and the mover should use carriers that hold the licences that transport requires.
- Vehicle Equipment and Documentation Requirements
- Yes, where the mover operates its own vehicles, and they are substantial: third-party insurance cover, a valid vehicle inspection certificate, a speed limiter conforming to Kenya Bureau of Standards specifications, a vehicular telematics system, retro-reflective contour markings (minimum 2-inch width), underride protection devices (where applicable), and an efficient fire extinguisher and first aid kit maintained in working order.
- Maintenance Recordkeeping
- Yes, where the mover operates its own vehicles. Operators must ensure vehicles are in good mechanical condition and maintain maintenance records for at least 2 years.
- Driver Hours and Accident Reporting
- Yes, where the mover operates its own vehicles. Operators must ensure drivers do not exceed maximum driving hours prescribed by the Traffic Act. A preliminary report must be submitted to NTSA within 24 hours of any fatal accident, including driver details, vehicle registration, maintenance record, and known circumstances.
- Consumer Protection
- Yes. The Competition Act No. 12 of 2010 (revised 2016) establishes the framework, administered by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) through its Consumer Protection Department.
- Consumer Complaint Resources (For Movers Not Vetted as ITMs)
- Yes, accessible and free. Consumers can file complaints with CAK through its online e-services portal, by email, post, telephone, or in person at CAK offices in Nairobi. CAK can order refunds, replacement, or repair, require withdrawal of misleading representations, and issue compliance notices. For disputes under KSh 1,000,000, Kenya’s Small Claims Court offers a fast, affordable alternative.
- Industry Association
- None dedicated. No dedicated Kenyan moving-industry trade association was identified in this research.
OverviewOverview & Scope
Kenya recently introduced a new Commercial Service Vehicle Operator Licence, issued annually by NTSA. It represents a structural shift in accountability: compliance now rests with the business operating the vehicles rather than with individual drivers and vehicles alone. The licence requires standard company and tax registration documentation, alongside a substantial list of vehicle equipment and documentation requirements (insurance, inspection certificate, speed limiter, telematics system, safety markings, and emergency equipment), plus ongoing maintenance recordkeeping and accident-reporting obligations. These transport obligations attach to whichever company operates the vehicles. Where a mover subcontracts road transport, the carrier’s own licence and vehicle documents cover the transport it performs, and the mover should use carriers that hold them. On the consumer side, the Competition Authority of Kenya administers a free, accessible complaint system, with a Small Claims Court available as a faster alternative for smaller disputes. There is no dedicated Kenyan moving-industry trade association.
RegistrationRegistration & Compliance Essentials
Company licensing
- Hold a company registration certificate and a KRA PIN certificate.
- Where the mover operates its own commercial service vehicles, obtain a Commercial Service Vehicle Operator Licence from NTSA, renewed annually, supported by the company registration, KRA PIN and proof of physical address.
Subcontracted transport
- Where transport is subcontracted, use carriers that hold the licences required for the transport they perform.
Vehicles and drivers (where the mover operates its own vehicles)
- Equip vehicles with the required safety features: speed limiter, vehicular telematics system, retro-reflective markings, underride protection devices where applicable, and emergency equipment.
- Maintain current third-party insurance and vehicle inspection certificates.
- Ensure drivers comply with maximum driving hours under the Traffic Act.
- Submit preliminary accident reports to NTSA within 24 hours of a fatal accident.
Customer practices
- Ensure consumer-facing practices comply with the Competition Act.
Records
- Where the mover operates its own vehicles, maintain vehicle maintenance records for at least 2 years.
ChecklistCompliance checklist
Company licensing
- Company registration certificateVerified by DocumentRequired
- KRA PIN certificateVerified by DocumentRequired
- Current NTSA Commercial Service Vehicle Operator Licence, renewed annuallyWhere applicable (mover operates its own commercial service vehicles with tare weight above 3,048kg)Verified by DocumentRequired
Subcontracted transport
- Where transport is subcontracted, the mover uses carriers that hold the licences required for the transport they performWhere applicableVerified by AffirmationRequired
Vehicles and drivers (where the mover operates its own vehicles)
- Third-party motor insurance in force for each vehicleWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
- Valid vehicle inspection certificate for each vehicleWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
- Required safety equipment fitted and maintained (speed limiter, telematics system, retro-reflective markings, underride protection where applicable, fire extinguisher and first aid kit)Where applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired
- Drivers kept within the maximum driving hours prescribed by the Traffic ActWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired
- Preliminary report submitted to NTSA within 24 hours of any fatal accidentWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired
Customer practices
- Consumer-facing practices comply with the Competition Act No. 12 of 2010Verified by AffirmationRequired
Records
- Vehicle maintenance records kept for at least 2 yearsWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles)Verified by AffirmationRequired