NTSA Issues New Directives To Motorists On Number Plates

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has officially called upon motorists across the country to collect their processed vehicle number plates after a prolonged period of scarcity that disrupted the issuance of plates nationwide.

The announcement was made on Thursday, May 8, during a press briefing where NTSA Board Chairperson Khatib Mwashetani confirmed that a significant consignment of number plates had already been delivered to NTSA offices and were now ready for collection by the respective applicants.

Speaking to the media, Mwashetani revealed that the Authority had already dispatched text message notifications to all motorists whose number plates had been processed, urging them to visit their designated NTSA offices to pick up their plates without further delay.

He emphasized the importance of prompt collection to ease congestion at NTSA offices and allow for smooth service delivery to other applicants still in the queue.

“We have successfully processed a large number of number plates, and clients who have received SMS notifications are encouraged to collect them at the offices they had selected during application,” Mwashetani stated. He further noted that the Authority is committed to clearing the backlog and ensuring that every applicant receives their number plate in a timely manner.

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Echoing Mwashetani’s remarks, NTSA Director General George Njao assured the public and vehicle dealers that the earlier shortage, which had caused delays in the issuance of number plates, had been fully resolved. Njao explained that the Authority had ramped up production and streamlined operations to stabilize the supply chain and avert future shortages.

“We are pleased to inform the public that the challenges we faced in the production of number plates, particularly the digital ones, have been addressed. We have resumed normal production levels, and our systems are running efficiently to meet the growing demand,” Njao affirmed.

He attributed the previous shortage to disruptions in the global supply of raw materials used in the production of number plates, a challenge that had affected various sectors worldwide. “We acknowledge the concerns raised by members of the public and stakeholders during this period, and we are grateful for their patience and understanding.

The shortage was beyond our control due to supply chain issues, but we have now resolved them,” Njao added.

The shortage, which had persisted for several months, had sparked concerns among car dealers and new vehicle owners, particularly in major towns such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Many dealers reported delays in vehicle registration and delivery to customers, a situation that adversely impacted their businesses.

The latest directive from NTSA comes barely a week after motor vehicle dealers raised alarm over the unavailability of number plates, which they said had caused delays in delivering vehicles to their clients. Some dealers reported that they had vehicles parked in their yards for weeks, waiting for number plates to be issued before they could legally be handed over to buyers.

Currently, the cost of applying for a standard number plate stands at Ksh 2,050, while the newer digital number plates, introduced as part of a modernization initiative, cost Ksh 3,050. For motorists seeking customized or personalized number plates, the price can go up to Ksh 1 million, depending on the specific request.

This is not the first time that the NTSA has faced challenges with the supply of number plates. In August 2024, a similar shortage was reported, leading to a temporary paralysis in the motor vehicle industry as dealers struggled to meet customer demands.

While the Authority was able to address the issue at the time, it noted that part of the delays were compounded by motorists who failed to collect their number plates promptly, despite receiving notifications.

Njao urged motorists to avoid a repeat of this situation by ensuring they collect their number plates as soon as they are notified. “We want to prevent another backlog from forming. By collecting your number plates on time, you are helping us maintain an efficient and effective service,” he stressed.

The Director General also reiterated NTSA’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and adopting technology-driven solutions to minimize future disruptions. He hinted at plans to roll out an online booking system that would allow motorists to schedule appointments for number plate collection, thereby reducing wait times and improving convenience.

As the Authority works towards restoring normalcy in the issuance of number plates, motorists and vehicle dealers have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the measures being implemented will provide lasting solutions to the recurring shortages.

Motorists who have not yet received SMS notifications were advised to remain patient and check with their nearest NTSA office or through the official NTSA online portal for updates on the status of their applications.

With the backlog steadily clearing and production back on track, NTSA hopes to rebuild public confidence and ensure seamless registration and licensing processes in the future.

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