Kenyan Drivers to Be Issued With Smart Driving Licences Starting in April

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced that it will begin issuing drivers' with the much awaited Smart Driving Licenses in April this year.

The digital licenses are set to have an electronic chip that will capture the holder's data; including Kenya Revenue PIN, Identity Card Number and Blood Group.

Speaking on Friday, NTSA Legal Officer Judy Opiri said the chips will also keep data on traffic offences committed by the holder.

“We are almost done,” she said.

Last year, the authority's director general Francis Mejja said the smart licences will capture driving records of all drivers and will be sent to insurance companies, who will impose high premiums for drivers with serious traffic offences on their profile.

“We are in discussion with insurance industries. If you are a high-risk driver, the premiums you pay must be high,” he said.

“If you are a driver and you want to seek employment somewhere, your employer will know your habits on the road. If you commit serious offences, then your licence will be withdrawn,” Mejja said.