If you’re a motorist in Kenya, you’ve probably heard of the new-generation vehicle registration plates that were introduced by the government last year. But do you know what they are and why they are important? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these ‘smart’ plates and discuss everything you need to know about them.
What Are New-Generation Vehicle Registration Plates?
The new-generation vehicle registration plates are a set of number plates that were introduced by the Kenyan government in 2022 to replace the old ones. They are designed to be more secure, with several anti-counterfeit features that make them much harder to forge, swap, or duplicate. The plates also incorporate microchip technology that allows the police and other relevant authorities to access key information about the vehicle from just the plates.
Why Were They Introduced?
The government introduced the new-generation plates as part of a wider effort to fight forgery, swapping, and duplication of vehicle registration plates in Kenya. The old plates were easy to fake, which made it difficult for the police to trace stolen vehicles or to collect accurate data on vehicle ownership. Moreover, the old plates did not have any security features, which made them vulnerable to fraud.
What’s Different About the New Plates?
The new plates have several features that make them different from the old ones. Firstly, they have a ‘cooler’ template that features an FE-Schrift typeface smaller than the font of the old ones, which makes them more aesthetically pleasing. Secondly, the letters and numbers on the new plates are slightly disproportionate to prevent easy modification and improve machine readability. Thirdly, the plates have several anti-counterfeit features, including a specially-imprinted national flag, a hologram of the Big Five animals, and a watermark. Finally, the plates have unique and different serial numbers – for both the rear and front plates – that are linked to the vehicle’s chassis number.
How Much Do They Cost?
The new-generation plates cost Ksh.3,000, which is slightly more expensive than the old ones. However, this extra cost is justified by the increased security and anti-counterfeit features that the new plates have.
How Can You Get Them?
To get the new-generation plates, you need to register for them online through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) portal. The process is relatively simple and involves filling out an online form, uploading copies of your original logbook and old license plates (rear and front), and paying a fee of Ksh.3,050. After your plates are prepared, you will be notified to pick them up from the collection center you have selected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new-generation vehicle registration plates are an important development for motorists in Kenya. They are more secure, harder to forge, and incorporate several anti-counterfeit features that make them practically impossible to imitate. If you’re a motorist in Kenya, we recommend that you register for the new plates as soon as possible to take advantage of their increased security and convenience.