The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has notified the public of the transition of the smart driving licence maintenance project from the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) to the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).
In a notice shared on February 24, NTSA said that following the sale and acquisition of 100 per cent stake in NBK by Nigerian bank, Access Bank Plc, the project has been transferred to KCB Bank Kenya Limited under a Deed of Novation.
Under the new arrangement, KCB is set to assume all roles previously assigned to NBK in the project.
“Following the sale and acquisition of the 100% stake in NBK by the Access Bank Plc (Nigeria), the project was transferred to KCB Limited under a Deed of Novation between NBK and KCB Bank Kenya Limited (“KCB Ltd”) by which KCB Ltd undertook to perform all the roles expressly allocated to NBK in the project,” read part of the notice.
Why NTSA Shifted the Smart Driving Licence Project From NBK to KCB
The authority noted that the project was initially launched in 2017 under a contract between NTSA, the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), and the Pesa Print Consortium, funded solely through National Treasury budgetary allocations.
However, due to funding constraints, limited geographical coverage, and the need for nationwide deployment of instant fines infrastructure, the Government resolved to restructure the initiative into a PPP through the direct procurement method.
Upon securing regulatory approvals and transferring specified assets and liabilities from NBK to KCB, the project is now set to be implemented under NTSA and KCB Ltd–Pesa Print Consortium.
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Role of KCB and Pesa Print Consortium
According to the notice, the NTSA, working together with KCB and the Pesa-Print Consortium, will upgrade the driver licensing system by introducing a new Second-Generation Smart Driving Licence (e-DL), including its design, production, and distribution to drivers.
In addition, the three entities will set up and run an instant traffic fine system. This will include a mobile driving licence wallet, a driver reward and penalty points system, access to driver history records, full driver life-cycle management, and other related services.
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Other Stakeholders in the Project
In addition to NTSA and the KCB–Pesa Print Consortium, key stakeholders in the project include:
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National Treasury, to oversee PPP structuring, fiscal risk assessment, and government approvals.
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The Ministry of Roads and Transport will provide policy direction on public transport and road safety.
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The Ministry of Interior and National Administration will provide policy guidance on public security.
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The office of the Attorney General will serve as the principal government legal advisor.
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National Police Service: Responsible for the enforcement of traffic rules.
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Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions: Handles prosecution of traffic violations.
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Judiciary: Oversees administration of justice.
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Road Users: Includes motorists, motorcyclists (including Boda Bodas), cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users.
