On August 30th, 2022, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr, Fred Matiang’i launched the new digital number plates. In his speech, he said the new plates are equipped with security features so as to curb crime and motor vehicle theft cases.
Some of these features include a scannable hologram and a serial number that corresponds to the vehicle’s chassis number. This information is also linked to the current vehicle owner. Other visible features include a Kenyan flag and a new font design that’s visibly appealing.
Newly imported vehicles are fitted with the new plates upon registration in Kenya at the port of entry. However, vehicle owners with the old number plates will be required to apply for the new plates within 18 months. This applies to all private and government-owned automobiles, those used by diplomats, international organizations, motorbikes, and tuktuks.
So! this drives us to the question of the day, How do you apply for the new number plate in Kenya?
How To Apply For the New Number Plate in Kenya?
Application of the new generation digital plates is done via the eCitizen portal.
It will cost you Ksh 3,050 to apply for the new plates for a motor vehicle and Ksh 1,550 for a motorcycle.
Ensure you have pictures of the current number plate(s) and a colored copy of your logbook. You’re required to attach everything in one PDF file.
The application process is a 4 step process that shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes to complete. Let’s get started.
Step 1. Login To Your eCitizen Account
The eCitizen portal can be accessed through this link https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/
Key in your details & login.
Your details will be shown on top of the page, you can therefore be sure you’re logged into the correct account.
Scroll down to the agencies section and click on National Transport And Safety Authority (NTSA) (New).
Follow the prompts until you’re logged into the NTSA portal it should look like the image below.
Your details will also be shown here so you can be sure you’re logged into the correct account.
Scroll down until you see the vehicles/Motorcycles registered in your name.
Click View against the vehicle/Motorcycle.
Click on the Motor Vehicle Service button.
Step 2. Apply For Reflective Plate
Click Apply against the Reflective Plate option
Confirm the vehicle details and click next below.
Step 3. Enter the Vehicle Particulars
Start by selecting New Generation under Reason For Reflective Plate.
Then attach the PDF file with both number plates and the logbook combined.
The easiest way to do this is to take photos of the front and back of your car with the number plates visible, using your phone. Then, take a picture of the logbook and attach all three photos to a Word document then save the document as a PDF.
Scroll down and choose the Reflective Plate Required. If for a car choose both front and back but if for a Motorcycle choose the back plate only.
Choose the Type of Number Plate both front and back. Oblong means rectangle.
Then choose a Notification Method, You can select both SMS and Email no harm.
Scroll down and enter the details of the Authorized Person to Collect Plate.
Under ID Lookup select national identification if you’re a Kenyan citizen or any other preferred option.
Proceed to enter your ID number on the option provided as well as your first name.
Then click the Search button. The rest of your details will populate if the information provided above is accurate.
Lastly, enter your phone number and email address and tick the declaration box to confirm that the details you provided in the application are true.
Scroll down and click on preview.
After you’re satisfied the information you entered is correct scroll down and click the complete button.
Step 4. Make Payment
Select a preferred payment partner and pay the indicated amount.
Do not Over/Under pay the indicated amount.
Once done click on complete to finish the process.
You’ll see a success message confirming that payment has been processed successfully
From this point you now have to wait for 7 working days then NTSA will notify you to go collect the number plate once it’s ready.
When going to collect the new number plates ensure you carry your original ID as well as the old plates.
Kevin Muya is an award-winning entrepreneur and the visionary Founder and CEO of Scepture Empire Limited. With a passion for e-commerce and digital marketing, Kevin has revolutionized online marketplaces in Kenya through innovative ideas that transform buyer-seller interactions.