A Peugeot vehicle bearing EX-GK number plates went viral on social media on Wednesday, June 24 with a number of Kenyans wondering whether the photo was authentic or doctored.
Kenyans.co.ke established that the photo was not manipulated after analysing the photo on various image fact-checking platforms such as InVid.
In the process of research, it was also established that the vehicle previously belonged to the government.
The use of EX-GK number plates dates back to the early 2000s years when the plates were issued to motorists who bought the vehicles at public auctions.
Photos of vehicles with similar plates- that are owned by private citizens - were also discovered by Kenyans.co.ke on various social media platforms.
Additionally, the vehicle - a Peugeot 308 - was consistent with models that are used by various government agencies.
Over the years, a number of departments have used the Peugeot model vehicles. For instance, in 2015, the government-leased 300 vehicles from a dealer at the cost of Ksh2.5 billion.
Most of the vehicles are used by agencies such as the National Police Service (NPS).
Use of EX-GK Number Plates
Motorists who purchase the vehicles are required to change the number plates. This also applies to military vehicles. In most occasions, the new owners are expected to change certain features of the car such as colour.
"Bidders who will purchase motor vehicles will be required to ensure that the vehicles are painted with non-military colour patterns (where applicable) before being put on the road.
"No Ex - Military vehicle should be put on the road with Ex - Military number plates contrary to which the the vehicle will be impounded immediately," read an auction advertisement in part.
Notably, the use of number plates was previously misused with the government imposing a temporary ban on the number plates in 2001.
