NTSA dismisses audit claims, says it retains full control of TIMS system
The clarification follows Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s 2024 audit report, which questioned the management structure of TIMS and cited the absence of a formal contract governing the system’s development and control.
The National Transport and Safety Authority has dismissed a report by the Auditor General suggesting that it had lost control of its Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS), insisting the platform is fully owned, managed, and secured under its authority.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 23, the agency said it holds complete intellectual property rights over TIMS and continues to oversee its operations, contrary to claims that private developers now manage the system.
“In response to media reports that NTSA has no control over its system, the authority wishes to clarify that the system is fully owned and controlled by NTSA, with complete intellectual property (IP) rights vested in the Authority,” the statement read.
The clarification follows Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s 2024 audit report, which questioned the management structure of TIMS and cited the absence of a formal contract governing the system’s development and control.
She also noted that its shift to the e-Citizen platform in March 2023 had reduced NTSA’s ability to oversee its core operations.
According to the audit, the system was unable to produce comprehensive transaction records or generate a complete list of license and registration applications, raising concerns about transparency and oversight.
However, NTSA explained that its system operates within a Zero Trust Network Architecture that restricts access to only authenticated and authorised personnel. It added that its integration with e-Citizen is limited to specific functions such as logins and payments, which offer a Single Sign-On experience for users and streamline revenue collection.
The authority maintained that all backend operations including data management and system processes, remain under its control and are run entirely on its internal infrastructure.
NTSA also pointed out that it continually trains its ICT staff to align with current trends and improve the security and functionality of its systems.
The agency further said that it actively maintains regular updates on its digital platforms to ensure they meet the dynamic demands of the transport sector while offering uninterrupted services to Kenyans.
TIMS is a central digital tool that supports key public services, including vehicle registration, driving license renewal, and vehicle inspection booking.
