Mandatory 4-Year Vehicle Inspection, Affordable Houses Down Payment Slashed, Looming Mass Layoffs

Hello and welcome to the Money Weekly Newsletter, where we are covering the proposed traffic rules that may require motorists to present their vehicles for inspection every four years.

But first, a word from our sponsoring partner, M-KOPA.

Sponsored Content

M-KOPA launched the M10, a smartphone that goes beyond the ordinary, offering extra benefits that set it apart in the Kenyan market

The M10 comes with free health insurance from Turaco. It also includes device protection against theft and screen breakage. Plus, it unlocks access to affordable mobile loans and even more exclusive benefits.

New Rules for Motorists

Transport CS Davis Chirchir on Wednesday gazetted the proposed Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, Traffic (School Transport) Rules, and Traffic (Drink Driving) Rules — all of which are set to affect the country’s motor industry.

According to the CS, the proposals are aimed at providing a structured legal framework for the inspection of motor vehicles to promote roadworthiness, establishing a comprehensive framework for the safe, professional, and regulated transportation of school-going children, as well as strengthening the legal and enforcement framework for preventing and penalizing driving under the influence of alcohol.

At the top of the proposals is a plan to introduce mandatory inspection for motor vehicles over four years old, and for all commercial, school, and public service vehicles.

The Proposals and Their Fines

Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules 2025

• The proposed regulation seeks to return alcohol testing using approved breathalysers (alcoblow), blood, and urine samples. 

• The proposed drink-driving rules also prohibit drivers from operating vehicles while intoxicated beyond the limits that will be prescribed. 

• Earlier, the CS noted that the new rules would have penalties of up to Ksh100,000, with drunk motorists even facing suspension of their Driving License (DL).

Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules 2025: 

• The regulation seeks to introduce mandatory inspection for motor vehicles over 4 years old and all commercial, school, and PSVs. This will see motorists incur additional costs for the tests.

• The inspections will be conducted at government-approved testing centres to ensure compliance with safety and mechanical standards.

Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2025

• The new rules will set safety standards for school transport vehicles, including seat belts, fire extinguishers, and telematics systems.

• The rules will also define qualification standards for school drivers and attendants

Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles Rules 2025

• The new regulation seeks to introduce driver work-hour limits, electronic logging, and cargo tracking systems to reduce fatigue-related accidents. Read more on the proposed rules here.

Here is a quick recap of the top money news for the week:

Finance Bill 2025 Update: Parliament passed the Finance Bill 2025 on Wednesday and forwarded it to President William Ruto for assent into law. MPs scrapped three controversial clauses from the bill, which aims to raise Ksh25 billion to fund the 2025/26 budget. These included a proposal by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to access personal data for tax compliance, a revision of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax bands and rates, and planned changes to statutory deductions such as the NSSF and the Housing Levy, citing an ongoing review by the Treasury.

Catch Up on More News

WEEKLY MONEY TIPS

MONEY254 #MONEYTOK

Mary Thande: I Became a Tuktuk Driver After an Employee Misbehaved

When Mary Thande bought her Tuk Tuk, she had no intention of being on the road. She hired a driver, ready to enjoy the returns on her side hustle.A few days later, she realised that having a driver was not sustainable. She did not have a driving license and had never operated a tuk-tuk, but her determination was unwavering.

In this video, she talks about her experience as a hustler in Nairobi’s shamba la mawe terrain and how her eyes are set on a bigger goal to become a successful businesswoman.

@money254hq

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞: 𝐈 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐓𝐮𝐤 𝐓𝐮𝐤 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐲 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 When Mary Thande bought her Tuk Tuk, she had no intention of being on ... See more

That’s a wrap for this week’s Money Weekly!

Remember that we can help you compare over 300 loans, savings accounts, current accounts, and more on our website if you’re thinking about your next product.