Motorists may soon have to take their vehicles for annual emissions tests if a new Senate Bill is passed, adding another requirement for car owners as the debate over private vehicle inspections continues.
The proposal is contained in the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to make annual emissions testing compulsory for all vehicles and industries that produce high levels of pollution. Sponsored by Mandera Senator Ali Roba, the Bill has been published for introduction in the Senate for First Reading.
The proposed law seeks to strengthen the country's air quality management by introducing regular emissions testing for vehicles and stationary sources as part of efforts to control pollution.
“The principal object of this Bill is to strengthen air quality management by providing for motor vehicle and stationary source emissions testing,” the Bill states.
The proposal comes just weeks after the government's planned inspection of private vehicles sparked public concern. Regulations introduced by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) requiring mandatory inspection of private vehicles that are more than four years old were suspended following court orders after motorists argued the new rules would increase the cost of owning a vehicle.
Senate Finance and Budget Committee chairperson, Mandera Senator Senator Ali Roba during a sitting at Bunge Towers, Nairobi on May 19, 2026.
PHOTO/SENATE
Even if the NTSA regulations do not take effect, the proposed law would still require motorists to subject their vehicles to emissions testing every year. The tests would be conducted at centres accredited by the National Environment Management Authority (Nema).
The Bill also requires motorists to carry proof that their vehicles have passed the emissions test whenever they are on the road.
“Any person driving a motor vehicle on a road or owning a motor vehicle so driven shall carry and display, or cause to be carried and displayed on the vehicle, a certificate of insurance and an emission testing certificate in the prescribed form, place and manner,” the Bill states.
The proposed law further seeks to give Nema powers to regulate emissions from vehicles and industries, accredit emissions testing centres and establish a nationwide air quality monitoring system.
The Bill says the proposed changes are intended to help lower pollution by ensuring vehicles and industries meet emissions standards.
“By regulating motor vehicle and stationary source emissions, this Bill aims to help significantly reduce the country’s carbon footprint, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change,” the Bill reads.
If passed, every vehicle owner would be required to obtain a valid emissions testing certificate every year before their vehicle can remain compliant with the law.
The proposal also seeks to make the emissions certificate a requirement for obtaining or renewing motor vehicle insurance.
“No motor vehicle insurance policy shall be issued or renewed unless the owner has a valid emission testing certificate issued under section 82A of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act,” the Bill reads.