The government on Thursday, May 2, unveiled plans to issue 1.3 million smart driving licences.
In the Programme Based Budget report that was submitted to the National Assembly by the Treasury, it was highlighted that the distribution would be done from July 2024.
The distribution will be done within the next three financial years with the State Department of Transport and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) overseeing the programme.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, the government projects that 400,000 new licences will be issued.
On the other hand, 450,000 driving licences will be distributed among motorists between July 2025 to June 2026.
Notably, the remaining 500,000 smart driving licences will be issued between July 2026 and June 2027.
The plans were unveiled amidst moves to phase out the old driving licences that have red covers.
"Having established all legal requirements for regulating driving schools and instructors, a much stronger compliance program will now be initiated for driver training and testing.
"This will include establishing a three-year time period within which all drivers will need to have converted to the new driver's licence, and all old licences are legally void," read the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028.
According to the Ministry of Transport led by Kipchumba Murkomen, the phasing out of the old licences is aimed at eradicating manipulation and identity theft.
The government also seeks to introduce instant fines hence the need for the issuance of smart driving licences.
"This is critical to the integrity of road safety in the future and will be accompanied by identity checks to eliminate identity fraud through the licensing system," read the action plan in part.
