- The CS wants an explanation within seven days on why there is a backlog in the said services.
- The CS made an impromptu visit to the NTSA offices on Friday.
Image: KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN / X
Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to clear all backlog in two weeks.
Speaking on Friday after he made an impromptu visit at NTSA, the CS said the backlog of driving licences, logbooks and digital number plates should be cleared within the said period.
The CS has also instructed the management of NTSA and the company responsible for printing the documents to send a detailed report for the reasons for the delay within the next 7 days.
"I will hold the senior management of NTSA personally responsible and accountable for any further delays and poor service delivery experienced from now henceforth," Murkomen added.
He noted that Kenyans pay their hard-earned money to acquire driving licenses, logbooks and digital number plates and it is their right to be treated with decorum and served professionally, expeditiously and with dignity.
Murkomen had made an impromptu visit to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) headquarters in Nairobi and the NTSA inspection and printing centre along Likoni road
However, the CS explained that he was in dismay noting that the performance at the centre was below par and did not meet the expectation of Kenyans.
Murkomen revealed that he noted that the driving license printing machine had barely functioned this year, thus leading to a huge backlog of pending applications that awaiting printing.
"It is unfortunate that half a million Kenyans are still waiting for either biometrics to be taken or their driving licenses to be printed and issued, resulting in inconveniences and loss of job opportunities," he said.
Another discovery by the CS was that at the NTSA headquarters, he witnessed another backlog occasioned by delays in the printing and delivery of digital number plates.
Besides this, Murkomen stated that the absence of a digital system has made it impossible for customers to know where and when to collect their number plates, putting them in a perpetual state of waiting.
"To quickly resolve this issue, I will personally supervise the processing, printing and delivery of Driving Licenses, logbooks and digital number plates, starting today to ensure Kenyans get better services and value for money," he added
During his visit, one of the motorists who was in the queue approached the CS and narrated to him the situation at the NTSA offices, complaining that users were not receiving prompt service.
He claimed that NTSA had sent him a text message informing him to collect the Digital Number Plate but upon arrival, he was told that it was not ready.
Several motorists have in the past voiced their frustrations over delayed services at NTSA offices, some taking to social media to air their concerns.