The High Court has declined to halt the National Transport and Safety Authority's (NTSA) implementation of the electronic motor vehicle registration certificate system, known as the eLogbook, despite an ongoing constitutional petition challenging the rollout.

On July 24, Justice Patricia Nyaundi Mande ruled against certifying the petitioners' request for urgent conservatory orders, allowing the digital system to remain operational as the case proceeds.

The court directed the petitioners to formally serve all respondents by July 28, with responses due by July 29. A hearing to argue the conservatory application and provide further directions on the main petition is scheduled for July 30, 2026.

Background of the Petition

The petition was filed by Javan Onyango and Emmanuel Kiplagat against NTSA, the Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

While supporting digital government services, the petitioners contend that NTSA launched the eLogbook nationwide on June 10, 2026, without conducting genuine public participation as mandated by Articles 10 and 232 of the Kenyan Constitution.

The timeline presented shows stakeholder registration ended on May 20, 2026, with public sensitisation sessions held between June 2 and June 4, preceding the official rollout date. The petitioners argue this sequence amounted to mere notification rather than meaningful consultation.

Concerns Over Data Privacy and Security

Beyond procedural issues, the petition raises significant data privacy and cybersecurity concerns involving millions of vehicle owners’ personal information.

In his affidavit, Onyango highlighted the absence of publicly disclosed technical safeguards, independent cybersecurity audits, vulnerability assessments, and disaster recovery plans related to the eLogbook system.

The petitioners warn that continuing the rollout before resolving these constitutional questions could expose motorists, buyers, financiers, and institutions to transactional risks and uncertainty.

Reliefs Sought

  • Suspension of the eLogbook rollout pending the petition’s determination.
  • Prohibition on NTSA introducing new fees or levies linked to the eLogbook without clear legal authority.
  • Prevention of invalidating existing physical logbooks until the case is resolved.
  • Compelling NTSA to disclose documents such as public participation reports, cybersecurity audits, Cabinet approvals, and data protection impact assessments.

The eLogbook became the mandatory proof of vehicle ownership for all new transactions starting June 10, 2026, replacing physical logbooks. Vehicle owners can access their digital logbooks free of charge via the eCitizen portal.