The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a new directive that could change how Kenyans check the status of their driving licences and number plates.
For years, many motorists have complained of delays and lack of clarity when applying for smart driving licences and reflective number plates. Now, NTSA says it has a solution, a dedicated service status portal.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August 19, NTSA explained that the new online portal will allow Kenyans to confirm whether their licences and plates are ready for collection.
According to the Authority, motorists simply need to log into the eCitizen platform, go to the NTSA service status portal, enter their details, and submit.
📰 Also Read This:
NTSA says once the details are submitted, the request will be forwarded directly to the applicant’s collection centre. Interestingly, the system will treat the request as a formal complaint to speed up action.
“Click on servicestatus.ntsa.go.ke and share your details and submit; this will go directly to your collection centre as a complaint,” NTSA announced.
For those checking their driving licence, only a National ID number will be required. For number plate applications, motorists must use their vehicle registration number.
The clarification comes after many Kenyans raised concerns about how long it takes to get the new smart driving licences and plates. Some say they have been waiting for months, with little communication from NTSA.
One Nairobi motorist, James Mwangi, shared his frustration: “I applied for my smart licence six months ago, but I never got any clear feedback. If this portal works, it will save us a lot of time and confusion.”
Another motorist, Mary Atieno from Kisumu, added: “We hope NTSA will not only open portals but also make sure the licences are actually processed faster. Technology is good, but action is better.”
This move comes shortly after NTSA directed all government entities, both at the national and county level, to apply for new reflective number plates.
The directive, which was issued on June 15, gave government offices until August 29 to comply. NTSA warned that vehicles without the new plates risked being impounded during nationwide enforcement operations.
The government has framed this as part of a bigger strategy to reduce cases of vehicle theft, forgery, and misuse of unregistered vehicles across Kenya.
NTSA also revealed that its online portal has been upgraded to handle bulk applications. This means large institutions, such as government agencies, can now process several requests at once.
For this, NTSA requires such institutions to create an e-Agent account and submit an official request letter before applying for reflective number plates.
Transport analysts say this is a sign that the government is finally trying to digitalize services and cut down bureaucracy. However, some remain skeptical about how smoothly the process will work in practice.
Cyber experts have also urged NTSA to ensure the portal is secure. They warn that with so many people sharing sensitive data, strong protections must be put in place.
For ordinary Kenyans, the focus remains simple: they want their licences and plates without endless waiting. Whether the new portal will deliver that promise remains to be seen.
In the coming weeks, more motorists will be expected to test the system, and their feedback may determine how effective this new digital approach will be.
One thing is certain, NTSA has made it clear that the days of blindly waiting are over. Motorists now have a direct line to confirm the status of their applications.
If the portal delivers as promised, this could be the start of a smoother, faster, and more transparent system for drivers across Kenya.
