The Ministry of Works initiated the compulsory registration of all vehicles with digital number plates on January 6, 2024. This initiative, which aims to register vehicles in the country, began with all cars, vehicles, and motorcycles entering the nation.
In discussing this change, Susan Kataike, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Works, stated, “We are activating the first-time registration of vehicles, so today marks the launch of the program for new vehicles entering the country through various border points. We recognize the main border points utilized for this trade, which are primarily Mutukula, Malaba, and Busia. However, for now, registration will only take place at Malaba and Mutukula. Other points will be opened gradually.”
The Ministry has partnered with Global Security Limited, a company contracted by the government for this undertaking, and they began the registration process at the Malaba Customs Bond. Vehicle owners will be charged 714,000 shillings for the new digital number plates, while swapping old plates for the new ones will cost 150,000 shillings each.
Motorcycle owners will need to pay 50,000 shillings for the new plates. The government has set a deadline of two years for all vehicle owners to switch from the old number plates to the new format.
“After the two-year timeframe, no one will be permitted to operate a vehicle or motorcycle on public roads without a new registration plate,” Kataike emphasized.
She also disclosed that over 2,000 government vehicles and more than 9,000 government motorcycles have already been fitted with the new digital number plates.
“We have consistently advised individuals that it is crucial for the vehicle or motorcycle to be registered in their name and that they possess a national ID or have their documents in order, as this registration will be issued to them personally. Do not rely on a purchase agreement or similar documents, so ensure your paperwork is organized. To date, 2,143 vehicles for the government have been fitted with registration plates. In addition, there are 11,721 public and private motorcycles that have received registration plates.”
Jimmy Oluka, the acting Customs Manager at URA’s Eastern office, indicated that they process between 150 and 164 cars daily to facilitate the registration.
“The process for clearing the vehicles will continue as it has historically. The primary change is that number plates will now be affixed at the border. Upon arrival, we will clear you to enter the country once the digital number plates are attached,” Oluka explained.
Galina Svalova, Head of Communications at Global Security Limited, assured that the company has the capability to manage the registration of both new and old vehicles.
“We are continuously increasing our production, ensuring we maintain ample stock so that the country is always adequately supplied. We aim to avoid complications that may arise from a shortage of number plates and consequent delays,” Svalova noted.
