State agencies ordered to adopt digital number plates by August

All government institutions must replace old vehicle number plates with digital ones by August 29, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has ordered, saying the directive is part of wider state reforms to enhance security, asset traceability and efficiency.

In a circular sent to ministries, departments, parastatals, state corporations, and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies, Koskei said the transition to digital plates is a key milestone in modernising public sector operations and meeting global standards.

The new plates are embedded with electronic chips that store vital information, making it easier for authorities to track and verify public vehicles.

“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.

Koskei warned that there would be no extensions to the deadline and that the Government Vehicle Check Unit would oversee enforcement.

Any agency that fails to comply risks facing disciplinary action or sanctions.

The directive is part of broader efforts by the government to build a unified digital vehicle registration system that will improve accountability in the use of state resources.

The move comes at a time when there have been growing concerns about delays in processing number plates.

Last year, NTSA clarified that contrary to speculation, the delays were not caused by a shortage of plates.

Instead, the agency disclosed that over 102,000 number plates had not been collected. It has since worked to improve service delivery and reduce waiting times.

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