NTSA TIMS Is Down Again — Here's How to Still Get Your Transfer Done

The National Transport and Safety Authority's Transfer of Ownership Management System (TIMS) went down again this week, leaving thousands of Kenyans unable to complete vehicle transfers online. If you've been refreshing the portal since morning, you're not alone—and sitting around waiting for NTSA TIMS to come back online isn't your only option.

The portal's frequent downtime is frustrating, but it's also predictable enough that smart motorists now have backup plans ready. Here's what actually works when NTSA TIMS fails you.

Go to an NTSA County Office in Person

This is the most reliable workaround. While NTSA experts on Kaziiko can guide you through digital processes, physical offices remain operational even when servers crash. Every county has at least one NTSA office that handles vehicle transfers, and staff can process your documentation face-to-face.

Bring your original logbook, the buyer's national ID, your national ID, the signed transfer form (Form 35), and proof of payment. You'll also need clearance from KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) to confirm tax compliance. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour, though county offices vary in speed. Nairobi's Embakasi office, for instance, moves faster than smaller branches.

The fee remains KSh 1,500 for a standard transfer, payable via M-Pesa to the official NTSA till number.

Use Authorized Agents

Licensed motor vehicle dealers and authorized transfer agents operate even when NTSA TIMS is down. They have offline access to submit transfers and often process them within 24 hours. You'll pay a commission—typically KSh 2,000 to KSh 4,000—but you avoid the portal frustration entirely.

The agent handles everything: they collect your documents, submit to NTSA offline, and notify you when the transfer is complete. If you're buying or selling through a dealership, this is already part of their service.

Check KRA Requirements First

Before heading to an NTSA office, verify that the vehicle has no outstanding tax issues. Log into eCitizen experts on Kaziiko or visit itax.kra.go.ke directly to confirm the vehicle's tax status. A single unpaid road levy will block your transfer completely, even at a physical office.

This step takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip. KRA updates its database daily, so check the same morning you plan to visit NTSA.

Plan Ahead for Next Time

NTSA TIMS experiences maintenance windows without warning, and peak times (month-end, quarter-end) cause overload crashes. If you're transferring a vehicle, don't wait until the last day of the month. Weekday mornings between 8 AM and 10 AM are typically when the system runs smoothest.

Save the direct phone numbers of your county's NTSA office. During downtime, staff can tell you exactly when the portal will be restored—often within hours, occasionally longer.

Getting a vehicle transferred doesn't require perfect timing or portal access. Use these alternatives, confirm tax compliance beforehand, and your transfer will complete regardless of when NTSA TIMS decides to go offline next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does NTSA TIMS usually stay down?

Most outages last 2 to 6 hours. Extended maintenance sometimes stretches to overnight. Check the official NTSA social media accounts or call your county office for real-time status updates.

Can I transfer a vehicle without TIMS entirely?

Yes. Physical NTSA offices process transfers offline using the same authority. The only advantage of TIMS is convenience; it doesn't speed up the process significantly.

What if the buyer lives in a different county?

The seller and buyer can both submit documentation at any NTSA county office—they don't need to use the same location. The buyer should clear KRA requirements in their county before transfer.

Do authorized agents charge extra on top of the NTSA fee?

Yes. The NTSA fee (KSh 1,500) is fixed, but agents add KSh 2,000 to KSh 4,000 commission for handling the process. This is worth it if TIMS is down and you're pressed for time.