The rollout of the new digital number plates launched by Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, is in limbo after a lawyer moved to court to block its inception.
In his petition filed before Nakuru High Court, Peter Okiro asked the court to quash the government directive seeking to have motorists replace the new plates within 18 months starting October 1.
Okiro argued that the plates were rolled out without public participation and targetted vehicles that already had number plates.
He further argued that CS Matiang'i and National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) contravened the Constitution's provisions on the public participation which is required during changes in government policies.
“The directive requiring mandatory replacement of registration plates for the already registered motor vehicles at the expense of owners has no backing of the law, is arbitrary, irrational, unreasonable, unfair, punitive and ignorant of consumer rights as it was made without proper public participation,” he stated in his petition.
Consequently, he urged Justice Hillary Chemitei to find the directive unconstitutional.
In the petition, it was also noted that motorists will have to part ways with Ksh3,000 to replace the old plates with new ones that have enhanced security features.
The rollout of the digital plates is set to begin on October 1 with priority being given to the KDK series.
Earlier during the launch of the new number plates, Matiang'i explained that the move was aimed at protecting vehicle owners who often lose their cars to syndicates.
"We are doing this because we want to address the security of our country. We want to help other agencies to function properly, uplift the financial sector and improve transparency,” Matiang'i explained then.
Notably, the roll-out of the digital plates could be slapped with another lawsuit after Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah faulted the government's procurement system.
"What is shocking is that I received a certain memo dated September 6 addressed to the Director General from the Director of Registration and Licensing.
The letter was asking for permission to use direct procurement. If these number plates had already been made for use and samples launched, why the need for procurement?" he posed.
