Senator Omtatah threatens to sue NTSA over digital number plates

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised issues with the digital number plate tendering process.

The lawmaker is accusing the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) of scheming to roll out digital number plates without following due tender process.

“I am in possession of a memo written on September 6 by NTSA. It is from the director of registration and licensing to the director general, asking him to give an order for direct procuring," Omtatah says.

According to the senator, former Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery had ordered the acquisition of digital printers for the plates which were to be placed at Kamiti Maximum Prison. 

Omtatah alleges that some state officers now plan to use the machines for their own personal gain. He has given the government an ultimatum to clarify the process of arriving at the company awarded the tender.

"What surprises me is, if these number plates are ready, and are ready for use… samples have been launched, what is the need for this procurement?” He quips.

Matiang'i launches digital number plates

In August 30 this year, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i launched the new-look number plates with enhanced and unique security features, saying that they comply with international standards.

Matiang'i said that the new plates are designed to frustrate fakes/imitations and are integral in combating crime such as vehicle theft, fraud, tax evasion and terrorism among others.

"The rollout will begins with the KDK... series for newly-registered vehicles while the replacement of current plates will start on October 1st, 2022. The plates will be solely manufactured by the National Government to guarantee quality and cost-effectiveness," Matiang'i said.