Government sets August deadline for digital vehicle plates

Public institutions across Kenya have been ordered to replace old vehicle number plates with digital ones by August 29, in a directive aimed at improving security and transparency in the use of government vehicles.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei issued the order through an official circular sent to all ministries, parastatals, departments, and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies.

He said the adoption of digital number plates is a critical step in aligning with international practices and improving the management of public assets.

Koskei emphasised that the digital plates, introduced by the NTSA in October 2022, are designed to support road safety and combat vehicle-related crimes.

“In its efforts to enhance road safety, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) rolled out the New Generation Number Plates in October 2022 as a strategic measure to address security concerns and curb the widespread international motor vehicle theft syndicate,” he said.

The plates come equipped with electronic chips that store key vehicle data, allowing for better monitoring and easier tracking. Koskei noted that the plates would boost national security and ensure vehicles used by government agencies are accounted for under a unified system.

He also made it clear that the government will not extend the deadline and said the Government Vehicle Check Unit will enforce compliance. Agencies that do not meet the deadline will face unspecified disciplinary measures.

The directive follows past concerns about slow processing of number plates. However, in August 2024, NTSA clarified that delays were not due to a lack of number plates but rather low collection rates.

At the time, the authority revealed that more than 102,000 digital plates were yet to be picked up. NTSA has since cut waiting times and streamlined the process.