NTSA Vows to Sort KD Plates Backlog as It Stands Firm on New Rules After Dealer Protests

The National Transport and Safety Authority has held its ground on new regulations governing KD number plates despite protests from vehicle dealers. Director General Nashon Kondiwa addressed the backlash directly while revealing plans to resolve ongoing delays in the system.

Kondiwa made it clear the authority will not revert to the old certification practices. The changes, implemented under Section 24 of the Traffic Act in April, aim to restrict KD plates to approved dealer purposes only and prevent misuse.

Security and traceability drove the policy shift. KD plates lack unique identifiers for individual vehicles, which could complicate investigations in security incidents. "We are not going to the old system," Kondiwa stated in a Monday interview.

Dealers in Mombasa demonstrated on the same day, complaining that the rules have disrupted vehicle deliveries from the Port of Mombasa, container freight stations and storage yards. They cited higher operating costs and negative impacts on the motor vehicle industry.

In response, Kondiwa acknowledged implementation challenges. Upon assuming office, he inherited a backlog of more than 30,000 plates that customers had paid for but never received. His team has cleared 5,000 in the last three months.

"We will sort it out within the next three days," he assured, addressing cash flow impacts and current delays. The statement offers some relief to affected parties as the authority pushes forward with reforms.

NTSA has also introduced a computerised application for enforcement officers. It allows quick identification of vehicles using chassis numbers during inspections, responding to complaints about arbitrary arrests.

The motor trade remains vital to Kenya's economy, with thousands of vehicles imported monthly through Mombasa. Dealers seek a balance that protects legitimate business while meeting the regulator's goals.

This latest directive forms part of broader NTSA efforts to professionalise the sector. Similar measures include the rollout of eLogbooks and deadlines for physical logbook collection.

Kondiwa's commitment to fixing the backlog comes as the authority maintains that the core rules on KD plates will stay in place. Further engagement between NTSA and dealers could shape how smoothly the transition proceeds.