- NTSA announced on Thursday, October 15, that Kenyans can check the status of their Smart DLs and new-generation number plates online
- The transport authority said its modernised systems allow motorists to verify readiness and collect documents in minutes
- NTSA warned against relying on brokers or middlemen to access government licensing services
TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has urged Kenyans to check and collect their smart driving licences (Smart DLs) and new generation number plates directly, without using brokers or middlemen, saying its systems have been fully modernised to support self-service.
Source: Twitter
The authority made the announcement on Thursday, October 15, through its official account on X, directing motorists to its service section on the website to confirm whether their documents are ready for collection.
The message was a clear signal that the authority wants to cut out third parties who have historically profited from facilitating document collection on behalf of applicants, often charging unofficial fees in the process
"If the system says it is ready, it is ready. Visit and collect it in a matter of minutes," NTSA stated, adding that the public should now expect efficient service under the hashtag #NoQueuesAtNTSA.
Smart DLs and New Generation Number Plates Explained
Kenya introduced smart DLs as a replacement for the older, less secure driving licence cards.
The Smart DL is embedded with a microchip that stores the holder's biometric data, making it harder to forge and easier for law enforcement to verify. The upgrade was part of a broader government push to digitalise public service delivery and reduce document fraud.
Similarly, new generation number plates were rolled out to replace the older reflective plates, featuring enhanced security elements designed to curb the proliferation of counterfeit plates that had been used to facilitate crime and tax evasion on Kenyan roads.
Both the Smart DL and new generation number plates require in-person collection at designated NTSA service centres once an applicant's status is confirmed online.
With the new online status check tool now in place, NTSA says there is no justification for any Kenyan to engage a broker, as the entire process from verification to collection can be completed independently and quickly.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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