State Orders All Public Institutions to Replace Vehicle Number Plates by August 2025
Nairobi, Kenya – May 29, 2025 — The Government of Kenya has issued a firm directive requiring all public sector vehicles to be fitted with new digital number plates by August 29, 2025, as part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen national security, enhance transparency, and modernize public asset management.
The directive, signed by the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, was communicated through an official circular addressed to all ministries, state departments, corporations, parastatals, and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs). Mr Koskei emphasized the urgency and significance of the initiative, urging institutional heads and Chief Executive Officers to ensure strict compliance without delay.
“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,” said Mr Koskei. “These plates are a critical part of our public sector reforms and will help the country meet international standards through the adoption of cutting-edge technology.”
The new number plates are embedded with advanced security features, including an electronic chip containing key vehicle information. This upgrade is designed to boost traceability, deter theft, and support digital monitoring of vehicle movements across the country.
Mr Koskei made it clear that no extensions will be granted beyond the stipulated deadline, and warned of possible sanctions or disciplinary action for non-compliant agencies. The Government Vehicle Check Unit (GVCU) will be tasked with overseeing enforcement, conducting regular audits, and verifying compliance among all government-owned vehicles.
The digital number plate rollout is one of several reforms currently underway in Kenya’s transport sector. The government is working to create a unified and digital vehicle identification system, which is seen as a key step toward improving road safety and reducing instances of vehicle-related crime. These efforts are aligned with broader national goals aimed at digitizing public services and increasing institutional accountability.
The directive comes against the backdrop of mounting concerns over delays in the processing and issuance of number plates. In August 2024, NTSA addressed these concerns, refuting claims of material shortages and revealing that over 102,000 plates were ready but had not yet been collected. The agency attributed delays to inefficient collection rather than production capacity.
In response, NTSA has streamlined operations to significantly reduce waiting periods. According to the authority, number plates will now be available within seven working days, while logbooks—an essential part of vehicle ownership documentation—will be ready within three days. These changes are expected to ease the burden on both public institutions and individual vehicle owners.
In a public appeal, NTSA stated: “We urge all vehicle owners, dealers, and financial institutions to prioritize this task. Timely compliance is critical, not only to meet the regulatory requirements but also to enhance security on our roads.”
NTSA also reminded all stakeholders of their legal responsibility to ensure that vehicle documentation is current, accurate, and readily accessible. The agency emphasized that the shift to digital plates supports Kenya’s larger commitment to road safety, transparency, and the use of digital tools in governance.
For many public agencies, the next three months will be a period of transition as they coordinate with NTSA and other relevant bodies to facilitate the full replacement of outdated number plates.
As the August 29 deadline approaches, the government has reiterated its firm stance on the matter: full compliance will be expected from all public institutions. This directive marks a significant step in Kenya’s continued efforts to modernize its infrastructure and adopt global standards in public administration.
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State Orders All Public Institutions to Replace Vehicle Number Plates by August 2025