NTSA Smart Driving Licence: Authority Announces Ksh42 Billion PPP Deal to Fast-Track Digital Rollout
Kenya’s long-awaited NTSA smart driving licence is finally gaining momentum after the National Transport and Safety Authority announced a major Public-Private Partnership aimed at accelerating production and distribution of the new digital cards.
In a notice dated Tuesday, February 24, NTSA confirmed that the second-generation smart driving licences form part of a broader digital transformation designed to tighten enforcement, curb fraud, and improve road safety across the country.
Unlike the old book-style licences, the new smart cards will store driver information electronically and connect directly to a central system for real-time monitoring of traffic offences.
Rising Road Carnage Forces Reform
The authority acknowledged that Kenya’s road safety record remains troubling, with fatalities climbing from 4,000 in 2019 to over 5,000 in both 2024 and 2025.
“Kenya’s road transport and safety record is characterised by high levels of road carnages, road indiscipline, poor driver licensing systems, and weak enforcement of traffic violations,” the Authority stated.
NTSA said the outdated licensing system has struggled to match the growing number of motorists and the demand for stronger traffic law enforcement.
Ksh42 Billion PPP Deal Explained
To resolve persistent delays, NTSA has entered into a 21-year partnership with KCB Bank Kenya and Pesa Print Limited.
Under the agreement, the private firms will design, supply, personalise, distribute, and maintain the smart driving licences.
“The project is estimated at Ksh42 billion in the initial 2 to 3 years, which is funded exclusively through private debt and equity,” NTSA revealed.
The financing structure means taxpayers will not directly shoulder the upfront investment costs.
How the New Driving Licence System Will Work
The smart driving licences will be manufactured using secure five-layer polycarbonate material embedded with electronic chips. These chips will store driver details and connect to a central enforcement database.
Once fully operational, licence production timelines are expected to drop to between 24 and 48 hours — a significant improvement from the current delays.
NTSA also plans to produce around five million cards every three years to ensure steady supply.
To ease congestion at service centres, more than 102 registration centres will be rolled out nationwide, supported by over 390 enrolment kits to improve service delivery.
Digital Wallet and Integrated Payments
One of the standout features of the reform is the introduction of a mobile digital driving licence wallet. Drivers will be able to access their licence information directly from their phones, monitor their driving history, and manage their licence status digitally.
The system will also support integrated payments, allowing motorists to settle licence fees and traffic fines through mobile money, USSD, and banking platforms.
Demerit Points for Traffic Offenders
NTSA will also introduce a demerit points system under the new framework. Drivers who repeatedly violate traffic rules will accumulate points that could lead to suspension or mandatory retraining.
The move is expected to enhance accountability and reduce habitual traffic violations.
Smart Driving Licence Fee
Under the proposed structure, the prescribed fee for issuing, replacing, or duplicating a smart driving licence will be Ksh3,000.
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NTSA Smart Driving Licence: Authority Announces Ksh42 Billion PPP Deal to Fast-Track Digital Rollout
