The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has attributed ongoing delays in vehicle number plate issuance to a backlog exceeding 30,000 plates that have already been paid for but remain unprinted.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Monday, June 15, 2026, NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa acknowledged the delays and outlined measures being taken to clear the backlog.

“Since I became DG, I have tried to clean up the backlog of plates, which I found to be over 30,000 plates that Kenyans have paid for but have never been printed,” Kondiwa said.

“As we speak, I have cleared 5,000 in three months, and this has impacted cash flows and caused the delays we are currently experiencing. We will sort it out within the next three days,” he added.

The authority has also issued an apology to motorists affected by the delays, stating that efforts are underway to restore normal service. Motorists have been advised to track applications through the online portal at servicestatus.ntsa.go.ke.

Backlog and service delays

The delays in number plate issuance have persisted since the beginning of 2026, affecting motorists seeking registration of new vehicles and replacement of lost plates.

NTSA data indicates that more than 30,000 plates remain pending despite payment by applicants. The authority says the backlog has affected processing timelines and service delivery.

Motorists have raised concerns over extended waiting periods and communication gaps, with some reporting delays lasting several weeks. The situation has also raised concerns about compliance with registration requirements, as vehicles without valid plates risk penalties under the Traffic Act Cap 403, including fines, imprisonment or impoundment.

The authority has indicated that clearing the backlog remains a priority as it works to normalise operations within the coming days.

Dealer plate regulations and industry concerns

The number plate delays have come alongside tensions between NTSA and vehicle dealers over the use of dealer registration (KD) plates.

During the same period, dealers in Mombasa staged protests over stricter enforcement of KD plate regulations. Association Chairman Mathew Katili said the rules requiring full registration before vehicles leave ports or container freight stations have slowed operations and increased costs.

The NTSA Director General defended the regulations, stating that KD plates are issued only to licensed dealers.

“Kenya is a transit point for many vehicles… there is always the risk of diverting them for local use, bypassing taxes,” he said.

Under current regulations, unregistered vehicles are not permitted on public roads except under authorised dealer movement, such as test drives or delivery to showrooms.

Industry response and ongoing measures

The Independent Car Dealers Association has called for consultations with NTSA to address the concerns raised by dealers affected by the enforcement measures.

The current dispute follows previous disruptions, including a similar shortage of number plates in April 2025 that affected vehicle registration services for nearly two weeks.

NTSA has stated that ongoing reforms are aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening compliance, and ensuring proper revenue collection while addressing service delays. The authority maintains that efforts to clear the backlog are ongoing as it seeks to stabilise operations.