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Murkomen orders NTSA to clear backlog of digital number plates, licences

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen displays a sample green number plate for electric cars on March 27, 2024. (X/Transport Ministry)

By Bashir Mohammed | Tuesday, April 2, 2024

NTSA had declared April 1 as the deadline for the collection of the new generation number plates, smart driving licenses, and logbooks.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to urgently clear the backlog on the collection of digital number plates, logbooks, and driving licences.

NTSA had declared April 1 as the deadline for the collection of the new generation number plates, smart driving licences, and logbooks.

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However, many drivers have not been able to collect their driving documents due to delays from NTSA platforms.

Murkomen issued the directive during an impromptu visit to the NTSA offices in Nairobi, where he engaged with officials to address the issue.

"Before I leave, I need the statistics on uncollected logbooks, unissued driving licences and number plates and customers who have been notified. Also, we must establish a system to track and record each employee's daily work, ensuring accountability and transparency in our operations," the CS said.

Delays

Murkomen expressed concern over delays in the collection of logbooks, particularly noting the reluctance of applicants to collect them despite the completion of processing.

NTSA officials clarified that delays often occur due to applicants only appearing when required for major financial transactions.

This directive from CS Murkomen comes amid persistent complaints from Kenyans regarding delays in obtaining number plates and driving licences, causing significant inconvenience for car owners.

This isn't the first time Murkomen has intervened in NTSA matters. Last year, he issued a similar directive to clear the backlog of driving licences and digital number plates and issued specific timelines for resolution.

In response to the directive, NTSA assured that all processed digital number plates would be issued within 14 days, acknowledging the frustration among motorists awaiting their plates despite the completion of processing.

"Ensuring efficient and timely delivery of services to the public is our priority," stated CS Murkomen, emphasising the government's commitment to enhancing service delivery and addressing citizen concerns.