NTSA Unveils Online Portal to Track Driving Licence and Number Plate Applications

Nairobi, Kenya – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out a new service status portal that allows motorists to monitor the progress of their driving licence and number plate applications online.

In a statement, NTSA said the service, accessible via the eCitizen platform, enables users to log in, enter their national ID or vehicle registration number, and submit queries that are then routed to designated collection centres as official complaints. The agency said the innovation is designed to ease long queues and reduce processing delays at NTSA offices nationwide.

How It Works

Applicants for driving licences are required to input their National ID number, while motorists checking on number plate applications must provide their vehicle registration details. The move comes after years of frequent complaints from drivers about uncertainty in processing timelines.

The launch also coincides with a government directive requiring all state-owned vehicles to transition to new reflective number plates by August 29, as part of an ongoing security and compliance overhaul.

Digitisation and Security

NTSA said the upgraded system is part of broader efforts to digitise transport services and strengthen anti-fraud measures. By enabling bulk transactions and supporting e-agent accounts for state agencies, the authority aims to streamline registration processes while curbing cases of vehicle theft and illegal number plate issuance.

“This is about convenience, transparency, and security. Motorists no longer have to wait in uncertainty or make multiple trips to NTSA offices,” the authority stated.

Public Reception and Challenges

Motorists welcomed the update, but urged NTSA to ensure the platform remains reliable and to provide clearer communication on waiting times, which remain a major frustration.

Analysts say the move reflects Kenya’s broader shift toward e-government services, from passports to business registration. However, challenges of system downtime, rural accessibility, and public awareness remain significant hurdles.

“The digitisation drive is commendable, but its impact will depend on how well the public understands the system and whether it consistently works in practice,” noted a Nairobi-based transport policy expert.

The Road Ahead

The NTSA portal marks another step in modernising Kenya’s transport sector, but motorists will be watching closely to see whether promises of shorter waits and greater transparency are delivered. With the August 29 deadline for reflective plates fast approaching, the agency faces a critical test of its ability to manage mass adoption while keeping services accessible.