The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is witnessing a surge in applications for new generation number plates ahead of the August 29 deadline.
The government has directed all ministries and agencies to comply with a directive requiring official vehicles to be fitted with second-generation number plates by the end of August.
In a circular dated May 21, 2025, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei ordered the immediate rollout of the high-security plates across all government fleets.
NTSA Director in Charge of Road Safety, Andrew Kiplagat, said the agency has implemented measures to fast-track the application and approval process.
“There are enough measures in place to ensure seamless application and approval in the wake of the high numbers being witnessed,” he said while leading a tree-planting exercise in Nyandarua County on Tuesday, May 3, 2025.
Government agencies are racing against time to comply with the requirement, with NTSA reporting a steady rise in applications.
Last month, Koskei warned that any government vehicle not compliant by the deadline would be impounded.
He said the enforcement exercise would be carried out nationwide and led jointly by the NTSA and the Government Vehicle Check Unit (GVCU).
The second-generation plates, rolled out in 2023, feature advanced security enhancements, including digital tracking elements, and are designed to meet international vehicle identification standards.
According to Koskei, the upgraded design is part of a broader government strategy to combat vehicle-related crime, improve road safety, and ensure greater transparency in the management of public assets.
“It has come to the attention of this office that, despite the New Generation Number Plates being a critical security and road safety initiative, the majority of County Governments, Ministries, Departments, and State Agencies (SAGAs) have yet to replace the old number plates,” Koskei stated.
The directive comes amid a rise in abduction cases in the country, with investigators often citing vehicles with altered or dubious plates as being involved.
In an official circular issued to all ministries, state corporations, departments, parastatals, and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), Koskei urged all heads and Chief Executive Officers to comply with the new regulations without delay.
“It is hereby directed that all Ministries, State Departments, and Agencies—including State Corporations, Public Universities, as well as Public Schools and Colleges—together with County Governments, ensure that all their vehicles are fitted with the New Generation Number Plates by August 29, 2025,” he said.
He explained that the new plates play a crucial role in helping Kenya meet international standards, as they feature advanced security elements, including an electronic chip that stores essential vehicle information.
“In its efforts to enhance road safety, the 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 added.
In the implementation of the directive by the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are required to log in to their NTSA accounts.
