Secure your car purchase

Why car transactions need escrow

A car purchase is one of the largest transactions most Kenyans make — and one of the riskiest. Buyers face fake logbooks, stolen vehicles, cloned number plates, and sellers who vanish with deposits. Sellers face fake payment confirmations and buyers who disappear after "test drives".

Escrow solves the core problem: neither side trusts the other with the money first. The buyer deposits into escrow; the seller delivers the car and documents; the buyer verifies; funds release to the seller's M-Pesa instantly.

How a car escrow transaction works

• Agree the terms — vehicle, price, inspection arrangement, and what's included (logbook, service records, transfer).
• Buyer creates the escrow transaction — describe the vehicle, set a deadline that allows time for inspection and NTSA verification, enter both M-Pesa numbers and the amount.
• Buyer pays into escrow — the seller is notified by SMS & WhatsApp with a tracking link.
• Inspection & verification — check the vehicle, verify the logbook on NTSA TIMS, confirm ownership transfer.
• Release — satisfied? Release the funds — seller is paid immediately.

Set a realistic deadline

Car deals need more time than a phone purchase. When creating the transaction, set a deadline that covers inspection, NTSA verification, and logbook transfer — days, not hours. The buyer can extend it from the escrow page if needed.

What to verify before releasing

• Logbook authenticity — verify on NTSA TIMS/eCitizen
• Chassis and engine numbers match the logbook
• Ownership transfer initiated in the buyer's name
• Physical inspection or a trusted mechanic's check

Transaction limits

Sellers can receive up to KSh 240,000 per transaction — covering deposits and many used-car deals. For higher amounts, split into milestone payments or contact support.