New number plates in Kenya: cost, deadline and what is actually required (2026)

Kenya started issuing "new generation" number plates in 2022. Since then there have been reports of deadlines, fines and price rises, and most of them never became rules. This guide keeps the two apart: what was announced, and what actually applies as of 1 October 2026.

The short version for a private car owner: we found no deadline in force that makes you replace old plates. New cars get new generation plates automatically. A pair costs KSh 3,050 if you choose to switch.

What the new plates are

The government launched the new plates on 31 August 2022, and the KDK series for new registrations started on 1 October 2022. Security features listed at the launch:

• a microchip that stores vehicle details
• an imprinted Kenyan flag, a hologram and a watermark
• separate serial numbers for the front and rear plates, linked to the chassis number
• a custom font

NTSA also describes a hologram of the Big Five animals. The Star describes the current design as a white plate with black lettering, the Kenyan flag and an embedded security QR code. These are what people call "digital" plates: there is no screen. "Digital" refers to the chip and the codes that link the plate to NTSA's records.

The plates cover every kind of vehicle: cars, motorbikes, three-wheelers, trailers and tractors, whether private, government or diplomatic.

What they cost

The KSh 3,050 is made up of KSh 3,000 for the plates and a KSh 50 eCitizen convenience fee. NTSA quotes seven working days for processing.

Announced vs what happened

The 18-month target from 2022 is the source of most "deadline" posts you will still see on social media. It was an announcement. We found no gazetted rule that makes old-style plates illegal on a private car, and no fine for keeping them.

Green plates for electric cars

On 3 February 2026 Transport CS Davis Chirchir launched green number plates for electric vehicles at the launch of the national e-mobility policy. All new EV registrations get them. He urged the more than 24,000 EV owners in Kenya to "progressively move to green number plates", and put the cost at KSh 3,000. No deadline was set. Reports differ on the exact layout (green background or green lettering), so check the plate NTSA issues rather than a photo online.

The stated aim is to make EVs easy to identify for possible future perks such as parking, tolls or priority lanes. None of those perks exist yet. If you run an EV on Bolt or Uber, see our guide to electric cars for ride-hailing.

The KE series

NTSA has started issuing registrations in the KE series now that KD is used up. An NTSA official described it as part of the normal process of issuing registration numbers. NTSA data shows 207,259 new vehicles registered between January and June 2026, and motorcycles made up 133,127 of them. A KE plate is the same new generation plate with a newer series.

How to apply for replacement plates

1. Log in to eCitizen and open the NTSA service.
2. Choose motor vehicle services, then reflective plate.
3. Pick the plate type and the NTSA office where you will collect.
4. Attach the documents asked for, in PDF.
5. Tick the declaration, preview, submit and pay.
6. Wait for the SMS saying your plates are ready, then collect them.

Processing does not always take seven days. In January 2026 motorists reported waits of three to six months, and some up to a year. NTSA told people with delays to file a follow-up on its website: Online Services, Other Services, Uncollected Driving Licence and Number Plates, then enter the registration number and click Request Follow-Up. See our NTSA fees tool for other NTSA charges.

What can get you fined

The plate's age is not what police fine. They fine for missing or badly fixed plates. NTSA's June 2026 list of instant fines puts driving without identification plates, or with plates not properly fixed, at KSh 10,000. For a car on Uber or Bolt, a clear plate matters even more: the 2022 ride-hailing regulations require the app to show the passenger the car's registration number before the trip, and riders check it. Replace a damaged plate before it costs you a day on the road.

What to do now

• New car: nothing. It comes with new generation plates.
• Older car on old plates: you may switch for KSh 3,050, and it is worth doing when a plate is damaged or faded. It is not compulsory as of 1 October 2026.
• Electric car: move to green plates when you can. No deadline has been set.
• Government or county vehicle: the 29 August 2025 deadline has passed.

We will update this page if NTSA gazettes a deadline for private vehicles.