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

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

Nairobi, Kenya – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a comprehensive update on the rollout of second-generation smart driving licences, outlining new measures to enhance efficiency, security, and road safety through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

In a notice dated Tuesday, February 24, NTSA confirmed that the new digital licences are part of a wider reform agenda aimed at modernising Kenya’s transport system and curbing fraud. Unlike the old paper-based licences, the smart cards will store driver information electronically and link to a central database, enabling better enforcement and tracking of traffic offences.

“Kenya’s road transport and safety record is characterised by high levels of road carnages, road indiscipline, poor driver licensing systems, and weak enforcement of traffic violations,” NTSA stated.

Addressing Delays

NTSA acknowledged that the current licensing system has struggled to keep pace with the growing number of drivers and the need for stronger enforcement. To resolve delays, the Authority has partnered with private firms under a PPP arrangement to boost production capacity and accelerate distribution.

The new system is expected to reduce processing times significantly, with licence production timelines set between 24 and 48 hours once fully operational.

PPP Partners and Investment

Under the PPP framework, NTSA is collaborating with KCB Bank Kenya and Pesa Print Limited to design, supply, personalise, distribute, and maintain the smart licences for a period of 21 years.

“The project is estimated at Ksh42 billion in the initial two to three years, funded exclusively through private debt and equity,” NTSA revealed.

Features of the New Licences

The second-generation licences will be made of secure, five-layer polycarbonate smart cards embedded with chips. NTSA plans to produce approximately five million cards every three years to ensure continuous availability.

To ease congestion at NTSA offices, the initiative will establish more than 102 registration centres nationwide and deploy over 390 enrolment kits to enhance service delivery.

Another innovation is the introduction of a digital mobile driving licence wallet. This feature will allow drivers to access licence details on their phones, check driving history, and manage licence status digitally. Integrated payment options will also enable drivers to pay licence fees and traffic fines via mobile money, USSD, and banking platforms.

Enforcement Measures

The new system will introduce a demerit points framework, where drivers who repeatedly break traffic rules will accumulate penalties. Persistent offenders could face licence suspension or mandatory retraining.

Under the proposed structure, the prescribed fee for issuance, replacement, or duplication of a smart driving licence will be Ksh3,000.

Road Safety Context

The reforms come amid rising concerns over road safety. NTSA data shows that fatalities have escalated from 4,000 in 2019 to more than 5,000 in 2024 and 2025. Officials argue that the new licensing system will strengthen accountability and help reduce accidents by ensuring only qualified drivers remain on the road.

Conclusion

With the rollout of second-generation smart licences, NTSA is positioning Kenya’s transport sector for a digital transformation. By combining advanced technology with stricter enforcement, the Authority aims to improve road safety, streamline service delivery, and restore public confidence in the licensing system.

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