Government ministries and agencies are under pressure to comply with a new directive requiring all official vehicles to be fitted with second-generation high-security number plates by August 29, 2025. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance accountability, deter vehicle-related crime, and modernize public fleet management.
In a circular dated May 21, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei directed the immediate rollout of the upgraded plates across all government fleets. He emphasized that any non-compliant vehicles would be impounded during a countrywide enforcement operation led jointly by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Government Vehicle Check Unit (GVCU).
The second-generation number plates, introduced in 2023, incorporate advanced security features, including digital tracking components, laser-etched codes, and enhanced visibility elements. These enhancements are aligned with global standards on vehicle identification and are designed to prevent cloning, counterfeiting, and other forms of misuse.
“This is a national security matter. Government vehicles must reflect the highest levels of accountability and traceability,” Koskei stated. He added that the move is also in response to a recent surge in crimes involving vehicles with altered or fake plates, including high-profile abductions.
A senior NTSA official confirmed that the agency has experienced a sharp rise in applications since the circular was issued. “We’ve put in place adequate measures to manage the increased demand and ensure timely processing,” the official said, noting that additional personnel and streamlined procedures have been deployed.
The directive is expected to affect thousands of state-owned vehicles across various ministries, parastatals, and county governments. Agencies have been urged to prioritize compliance to avoid disruptions in service delivery due to enforcement measures.
The rollout of the new plates is seen as a key step toward improving transparency in the use of public assets and enhancing road safety. It also serves as a signal that the government is serious about addressing the misuse of state vehicles and strengthening national security frameworks.
