A couple of days back, the Kenyan government unveiled the new digital number plates that they say will help stop double registration and tame unscrupulous car importers. These new number plates feature inbuilt security aspects that the government says will make it easier to trace ownership of cars by law enforcement agencies.
The cost of replacing the number plates is Ksh 3,000 and the government has given motorists 18 months to comply. Failure to do so will attract a fine of ksh 20,000 or a jail term of 6 months..
It is not surprising that the government is coming up with threats instead of ways to educate motorists of the advantages of the new plates. The Kenyan government always thrives on threats rather than logic when dealing with such issues.
Over Ksh 10 billion to be collected
With over 3.9 million registered vehicles in Kenya, the government will be collecting over Ksh 10 billion from motorists and motorcyclists.
“Any person who contravenes any of the provisions in the traffic rules, which no specific penalty is provided, is liable for a fine not exceeding Sh20,000 or imprisonment for six months or both,” states the Traffic Act.
These new plates have anti-counterfeit features, including holograms, watermarks, and laser markers to make it easier for the police to trace information on particular vehicles and their owners.
“Commissioning of the new generation number plates marks a historic moment in securitising vehicle registration by eliminating loopholes exploited by financial fraudsters and unscrupulous motor vehicle importers,” said Dr Matiang’i.
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