Motorists Association of Kenya Demands Answers From NTSA Over Missing Number Plate Funds

Motorists Association of Kenya Demands Answers From NTSA Over Missing Number Plate Funds

Nairobi, Kenya – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is facing mounting pressure from the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) over a worsening number plate shortage that has surpassed 70,000 units. The association is demanding accountability for funds collected from motorists and importers, questioning why suppliers remain unpaid despite upfront payments.

In a statement released on Tuesday, February 24, MAK blamed the crisis on delayed funding from the National Treasury to NTSA, which has left suppliers unable to deliver raw materials for plate production.

“If citizens pay upfront for plates, and the government collects a heavy excise duty at the point of importation, how can there be no funds to produce number plates?” the Motorists Association asked.

Scope of the Shortage

The backlog includes approximately 51,000 motorcycles, 7,000 new cars, and 750 tuk-tuks. Production hitches have specifically affected the KDV-W, X, Y, and Z series plates as of mid-February.

Without physical plates, banks cannot process asset financing transfers, leaving cars stranded in showrooms while loan paperwork stalls. Thousands of imported vehicles are also stuck at the Port of Mombasa, unable to be released to dealers or buyers, exacerbating financial losses across the automotive supply chain.

Temporary Measures

Dealers have resorted to using Kenya Dealer (KD) plates – green, temporary registration plates issued to licensed dealers, garages, and importers. These plates allow unregistered vehicles to be moved from Mombasa port to showrooms, test drives, and repairs between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Authorities warn that misuse of KD plates can lead to vehicle impoundment, underscoring the urgency of resolving the shortage.

NTSA’s Response

NTSA has indicated that it sends SMS notifications to applicants once their plates are ready. Motorists can also check the NTSA Service Status Portal to track uncollected plates or driving licences. However, MAK dismissed these measures as inadequate.

“Public accountability is not optional. If money is collected for number plates, it must be used for number plates,” the association stated.

Demand for Transparency

MAK is now pressing NTSA and the National Treasury to publicly account for where upfront plate fees and excise duty collections have gone. The association insists that motorists deserve clarity on why suppliers remain unpaid while collections continue.

Industry stakeholders warn that the shortage is not only inconveniencing motorists but also undermining confidence in Kenya’s vehicle registration system. Dealers say the delays are affecting sales, financing, and insurance processes, while importers face mounting costs as vehicles remain stuck at the port.

Broader Context

The number plate shortage comes at a time when Kenya’s automotive sector is experiencing growth, with rising demand for motorcycles and cars. Analysts argue that inefficiencies in the licensing and registration system risk stalling this momentum.

The Motorists Association’s intervention highlights broader concerns about transparency in public agencies, particularly where funds are collected directly from citizens.

Conclusion

As pressure mounts, NTSA and the National Treasury face calls to explain the financial gaps behind the number plate crisis. With over 70,000 vehicles affected, the issue has become a test of accountability and efficiency in Kenya’s transport sector.

ALSO READ: NTSA Gives Status Update on Design & Supply of New Second Generation Driving Licences

Motorists Association of Kenya Demands Answers From NTSA Over Missing Number Plate Funds