NAIROBI-The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is under mounting pressure to explain persistent delays in the issuance of new-generation vehicle number plates following complaints from motorists who have completed the registration process but are yet to receive the plates.
The Senate Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation has been tasked with investigating the cause of the delays, assessing the extent of the backlog, and recommending measures to improve service delivery.
The inquiry was initiated by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who said many vehicle owners have fulfilled all registration requirements, including payment of the prescribed fees, but continue to wait for their number plates.
Nyutu wants NTSA to provide a comprehensive report on all pending applications as of July 1, 2026, detailing the backlog by county, vehicle category, and the length of time each application has remained unprocessed.
He also called on the authority to explain its current production capacity, plans to expand or modernize the manufacture and distribution of number plates, and the timelines for implementing the proposed improvements.
In addition, the senator is seeking details on the procurement of raw materials used in the production of number plates and the measures being taken by the Ministry of Roads and Transport, in collaboration with NTSA, to eliminate the backlog.
Nyutu argued that motorists should not be penalized for delays caused by government agencies.
The concerns drew support from several senators, who questioned NTSA’s efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo criticized the implementation of some NTSA regulations, arguing that they had not undergone the required parliamentary approval process. He noted that the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation had recommended the annulment of three NTSA regulations.
“Kenyans must know that this House has pronounced itself on those regulations,” Maanzo said.
He further claimed that regulations relating to vehicle number plates were already being enforced despite not having been tabled before Parliament.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka called for a broader probe into NTSA’s leadership and the management of revenue collected from motorists, including funds associated with speed governors.
“The issue of NTSA raised by Senator Nyutu is a matter that affects county governments,” Onyonka said.
Meanwhile, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang said the delays have significantly affected vehicle importers, with many imported vehicles remaining at the Port of Mombasa, the Inland Container Depot (ICD), and Container Freight Stations (CFS) because they cannot be released without registration plates.
“There are many people importing vehicles from Japan, Dubai, Thailand and South Africa. Sometimes vehicles remain at the Mombasa Inland Container Depot and Container Freight Stations for a long time because the number plates have not been issued,” Kisang said.
He urged the Ministry of Roads and Transport to streamline the vehicle registration process to prevent unnecessary storage costs and delays.
“NTSA needs to improve its operations and ensure that vehicles are registered promptly upon arrival and number plates are issued without delay. Without number plates, vehicles cannot be released or legally driven on the road,” he added.
The Senate committee is expected to establish the cause of the delays, determine the scale of the backlog, and recommend measures to improve the production and timely issuance of vehicle number plates across the country.
