NTSA adjusts operating hours days after Murkomen’s impromptu visit
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced an extension of its working hours to improve services.
In a statement, NTSA said the changes are aimed at clearing the backlog of uncollected driving licences and new generation number plates.
“As part of our service improvement strategies, the Authority has adjusted its operating hours. In this regard, all NTSA Banking Halls and Offices will operate, Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm,” NTSA said in a statement.
“Additionally, NTSA offices will remain open to the public on Saturday, 30th September 2023, and Saturday, 7th October 2023 from 8am to 4pm to enable number plate collection.”
Also read: Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o bags prestigious UN job
The adjustment comes days after the Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made an impromptu visit to the agency’s headquarters.
Murkomen’s visit followed numerous complaints by Kenyans over the slow processing of driving licenses, logbooks, and new digital number plates.
According to Murkomen, the machine used for printing driving licenses has barely functioned this year, leading to a backlog of half a million unprinted driving licenses.
Murkomen also acknowledged that the absence of digital systems has made it impossible for customers to know where and when to collect their number plates.
“I have given NTSA two weeks to clear this backlog, notify Kenyans of their nearest collection points, and put in place the necessary mechanisms to speed up the turnaround time for processing and issuance of driving licenses, logbooks, and digital number plates,” Murkomen said.
Also read: Jeff Koinange opens up on struggles with infertility and meeting Nelson Mandela
The CS further gave the institution and the printing company seven days to send a full report on the reason for the delays and measures they had taken to resolve the issues.
Some applications, which were submitted more than one year ago, are yet to be processed despite the time limit being 14 working days.
Murkomen vowed to ensure that Kenyans receive their documents in due course, failure to which the officers involved will be held accountable.
“I will spare no effort in dismantling existing cartels who are perpetuating corruption in these institutions and pushing the agencies, within my Ministry, who are responsible for dispensing critical services to Kenyans to do so professionally, transparently, and expeditiously,” Murkomen said.
The CS also promised to hold the senior management of NTSA responsible and accountable for any further delay.
Also read: MP Ronald Karauri criticised for offering ‘lion’s den’ pastor trip to Maasai Mara