NTSA Warns Motorist of New Driving Licence Scam

New Kenyan smart driving license.
New Kenyan smart driving license.
File

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Tuesday, February 8, warned motorists of a syndicate targeting applicants of the smart Driving License.

NTSA flagged a public group on Facebook dubbed NTSA Driving Licence Enquiries, which purported to handle concerns raised on the license applications and other services offered by the authority. 

"The Public is hereby advised to be wary of individuals and socialmedia platforms purporting to offer Smart Driving Licenses or other services," read the statement in part.

NTSA Director General George Njao addresses delegates at a past event.
NTSA Director General George Njao addresses delegates at a past event.
Photo
NTSA

 

NTSA revealed that some unwary motorists were already swindled by individuals who were said to be members of the group. It called upon victims to report any incidents to the nearest police station. 

The authority introduced the smart driving licence on October 23, 2020. The new licence has an aggregate of information including the driver's name, car ownership and log book details

To match the international standards, the new licence also supports the implementation of a demerit point system and can facilitate the payment of instant fines. The demerit point system is designed to weed out careless drivers and enhance road safety.

The Facebook group has more than 1,000 members and claims to "educate and answer all queries regarding driving license enquiries, motor vehicle inspection, logbook transfer enquiries." 

Most queries seen on the page were on delays experienced by applicants who applied for the smart card.

In one post, a member claimed to have unsuccessfully tried to apply for the card since 2019.

The admin responded and asked him to send his Transport Integrated Management System (Tims) login details, in order to assist solve the problem.

NTSA has in the past cautioned motorists against issuing login details, logbooks and identity documents to unscrupulous individuals who may manipulate their data. 

It also coordinated with the police in raiding garages and premises that were accused of cloning cars and tampering with number plates. 

An image of the fake Facebook group flagged by NTSA.
An image of the fake Facebook group flagged by NTSA.
NTSA