You’ve just cleared your logbook at NTSA, paid the fees, and now you’re waiting. That crucial text with the plate number hasn’t come. Sound familiar? Every motorist in Kenya who has upgraded or bought a new car in the last few years has faced the “new generation number plate” wait. It can feel like a black box.
So, how long does it take to get a new generation number plate in Kenya, really? We’re cutting through the rumours and giving you the straight facts, from the NTSA portal to the boda guy delivering it to your gate.
The Official Timeline: From Application to Delivery
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) gives a standard estimate. Officially, the process of issuing a new generation number plate takes between 14 to 21 working days. This count starts from the moment your application is fully processed and payment is confirmed on the TIMS portal.
Don’t count weekends and public holidays. If you apply during the December rush or just before a long weekend, factor that in. The 21-day mark is often the upper limit, but delays can happen.
What “Processing” Actually Means: The Steps
It’s not just one step. The timeline covers a chain of events:
- Application & Payment: You or your agent submits details and pays via MPesa or bank. You get a confirmation SMS.
- NTSA Assignment: The system assigns a unique plate number. This is when you get the SMS with your new number (e.g., KDB 123K).
- Manufacturing: The plate number is sent to the licensed manufacturer (like GTS) for physical production.
- Quality & Dispatch: Plates are checked, bundled, and sent to regional distribution centres or directly to accredited couriers.
- Delivery: You receive a call or SMS for pickup or delivery to your provided address.
Factors That Can Delay Your New Plates
Why does your neighbour get theirs in 10 days while you wait a month? Several local factors play a role.
First, incomplete documentation is a major blocker. If there’s a mismatch in your ID details, logbook status, or KRA PIN, the process stops until you sort it. Always double-check your details on TIMS.
Second, supply chain hiccups. The specific materials for the plates (like the reflective sheeting) are sometimes imported. Delays at the port of Mombasa or with customs can slow down manufacturing for everyone.
The Agent vs. DIY Dilemma
Many people use a “agent” – that guy who knows a guy at the NTSA office. Does it speed things up? Maybe, but it’s risky and often unnecessary.
A good agent might navigate a stuck application faster because they do this daily. But a rogue agent can disappear with your money and documents. The official online process is transparent; you can track progress using your logbook details on the TIMS portal. Doing it yourself saves you the agent fee (usually Ksh 2,000-5,000 extra) and gives you control.
Kenya-Specific: Costs, Pickup, and Pro Tips
Let’s talk money and locations. The standard government fee for a pair of new generation plates is Ksh 3,050. This is the fee you pay to NTSA. If you are replacing lost plates, the cost is higher – Ksh 6,100 for a pair.
Delivery costs extra. If you opt for delivery within Nairobi, expect to pay between Ksh 500 to Ksh 1,000 to the courier (like Flashpeed or Goship). You can also choose to pick them up yourself from designated centres. The main one is the NTSA headquarters at Upper Hill, Nairobi. Others include the GTS plant in Mombasa Road or county-specific NTSA offices.
A Pro Tip to Potentially Speed Things Up
Here’s a tip from those in the know: After you get the SMS with your plate number, don’t just wait. Call the NTSA helpline (0709 907 000) or the plate manufacturer’s customer care. Politely quote your plate number and ask about the production status. Sometimes, this gentle nudge can move your file to the top of the pile, especially if it’s been “processing” for over 15 days. Have your logbook number ready.
Beware of the Wet Season & Holiday Rush
Timing matters. Apply during the long rains (March-May) or short rains (October-November). Floods can disrupt transport and courier services in areas like Mombasa Road or Thika Road, delaying deliveries. Also, avoid the end-year rush. Everyone wants their new car for December, so applications spike in November and early December, leading to longer queues at every stage.
What to Do While You Wait for Your Plates
You have the plate number SMS but no physical plates. Can you drive? The law requires the physical plates to be affixed. However, NTSA provides a temporary solution.
Once assigned, you can download a provisional number plate certificate from the TIMS portal. Print this document and keep it in the car. If stopped by traffic police, present it together with your logbook. It’s not a guarantee you won’t be hassled, but it’s your legal proof that the process is underway. Do not drive with the old plates if you’ve already been assigned a new number.
Conclusion: Patience, But With Follow-Up
Getting your new generation number plate in Kenya typically takes two to three weeks. The key is to ensure your application is clean from the start, pay the official Ksh 3,050 fee, and use the official TIMS portal for tracking. While delays due to seasons or logistics happen, a polite follow-up call after the second week can work wonders.
Don’t stress the wait—just plan for it, especially if you need the car for a upcountry trip during the holidays. Got your plates faster or slower? Share your experience in the comments to help other drivers!
