All government vehicles must adopt digital number plates by August 29, following a directive from Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. The move is part of ongoing reforms designed to strengthen national security, improve asset traceability, and boost operational efficiency in the public sector.
In an official circular issued to ministries, departments, parastatals, state corporations, and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies, Koskei described the shift to digital plates as a key milestone in modernizing government operations and aligning Kenya with global standards.
The new-generation plates feature embedded electronic chips that store critical vehicle information, allowing quick identification and verification of public vehicles nationwide.
He noted that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) first rolled out the digital plates in October 2022 to enhance road safety and disrupt cross-border vehicle theft networks.
“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,” Koskei said.
Koskei made it clear that the August 29 deadline is final, warning that no extensions will be granted. He said the Government Vehicle Check Unit will oversee the rollout and ensure full compliance across all public agencies.
Agencies that fail to meet the deadline risk disciplinary action or other sanctions.
This nationwide rollout forms part of a broader plan to create a unified digital vehicle registration system, a move aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
