The National Transport and Safety Authority is set to replace physical motor vehicle log books with a digital registry.
By ditching manual records, the authority seeks to create a more transparent system that eliminates forgery and accelerates service delivery for Kenyan motorists.
The authority is set to digitize Kenyan roads with the official rollout of the eLogbook on June 10th. This transition to electronic registration certificates marks a historic departure from the paper systems that have defined vehicle ownership for generations.
Speaking during the 3rd Annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies conference at the South Eastern University over the weekend, NTSA Director-General Nashon Kondiwa explained that switching to digital logbooks is a major part of the government’s plan to modernize transport by replacing slow, manual paperwork with faster and more efficient digital tools.
“Electronic logbooks bring services directly to wananchi and this digital shift is designed to cut through the red tape of bureaucratic processes and lock out the cartels that have long plagued the system,” said the Kondiwa.
“Logbooks are moving to eCitizen. Meaning no more printed paper and no more long queues at our offices. Owners can now access their digital certificates instantly bypassing the delays of manual processing,” he stated.
In addition, by automating the process, motorists will no longer have to wait days or weeks for their logbooks. Under the new system, their digital eLogbooks will be created instantly following a vehicle transfer or registration making the entire experience faster and more transparent.
To prevent the rampant forgery of physical records, the new digital logbook incorporates encrypted security and QR (Quick Response) code verification technology that allows banks, insurers, and buyers to instantly confirm a vehicle’s true owner with a simple scan creating a more secure marketplace and eliminating the fake logbook crisis.
With vehicle ownership on the rise, concerns over logbook forgery and the manipulation of paper files have been raised forcing NTSA to ditch its manual records in order to eliminate the loopholes that have allowed fraudsters to thrive through duplicate documentation and unauthorized transfers.
The new system will also give the police an easier way to check vehicle ownership in real time. By linking digital logbooks to insurance and inspection data, officers can instantly scan a car’s profile to see if it’s insured, compliant, or reported stolen, making roadside checks much more effective.
Additionally, the shift to a digital registry will slash the authority’s expenses by removing the need for paper, printing, and delivery services. By ditching manual storage, the authority can re-allocate resources toward improving overall service delivery.
The NTSA has also eliminated replacement charges for lost logbooks. With the system now being fully digital, owners can simply log into eCitizen to retrieve a new copy at no cost, removing the financial burden of manual document replacement.
By Hellen Lunalo
