Kenyans can apply for driving licence online

NAIROBI, KENYA: If you are planning to renew or acquire a driving licence, you have a reason to smile as a new digital system is set to make the process easier.

Renewal and application of driving licences will be available online from next month following the introduction of an e-Citizen portal for online Government payment services. National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General Francis Meja announced the service will be available online.

Addressing proprietors of driving schools in Nairobi, Meja said annual renewal of driving licenses at banks and Huduma Centres will cease. "Renewal and application for driving license online will reduce costs, improve service delivery and combat corruption. It will also increase efficiency across the economy," said Meja.

He said people will use their national identity numbers to register, adding that issues of forging documents will be minimal since drivers will be required to register once in order to access all Government services. "Registration for all Government services is only done once and people can access all services using the same name and number," he added.

Meja said the Government's digital payment system should be popularised in driving schools, saying it will improve accountability. He said those who miss their driving tests will be given a grace period of one month, adding that if they miss again, they will have to book and pay for the test afresh.

Seniors driving school owner Nelson Githika said they have been using the new system for the last one month. "Initially, we faced a great challenge but after liaising with NTSA, we were able to cope with it," said Githika. Driving licences will now be available immediately after passing the driving test.