The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has responded to a report by Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu, which revealed that the Authority lacks control over a key digital platform used to deliver public services.
In a rejoinder issued on Tuesday, July 23, the Authority clarified that it fully owns and operates the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS), contrary to Gathungu’s findings.
The Auditor-General had flagged the agency for allegedly having restricted access to the Ksh186 million system nearly two years after it went live, raising concerns about the safety of public funds and the effectiveness of NTSA’s operations.
According to the audit for the year ending June 2024, NTSA staff lack full access to TIMS, which handles critical services such as vehicle registration, inspections, and driver licensing.
Although the system enables online applications and payments, staff reportedly cannot generate or export comprehensive reports needed to support revenue tracking and informed decision-making.
“TIMS access rights provided to the Authority’s user departments did not allow for the generation and export of comprehensive transactional reports for licensing and vehicle registrations,” Gathungu noted.
“NTSA users in the licensing and motor vehicle registration departments face limitations in their current access levels, which hinder their ability to meet reporting requirements. Employees can only access and produce highly summarised reports for licensing and vehicle registration,” she added.
NTSA Refutes Claims of Limited Access to TIMS Portal After Audit
However, NTSA maintains that the system is its sole property and that full intellectual property (IP) rights are vested in the Authority.
“The Transport Integrated Management System is the single reference point for all NTSA services. It is fully owned and controlled by the Authority,” the statement reads in part.
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NTSA further said it has made significant investments in IT infrastructure, including cybersecurity, reliable servers, and a highly secure network.
“We have fully implemented a Zero Trust Network Architecture, ensuring high security and identity-based access,” the Authority noted.
The agency also explained that while TIMS is integrated with the eCitizen platform for single sign-on and payments, its workflows, data, and operations run exclusively on NTSA’s infrastructure.
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In addressing the Auditor-General’s concerns about oversight and accountability, NTSA pointed out that it uses an advanced big data analytics platform to support operations, improve service delivery, and inform decision-making.
“Our ICT staff undergo continuous training to effectively address technology needs and adapt to the evolving digital environment,” the statement added.
NTSA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining full control of its systems and upholding public trust by ensuring the security, integrity, and reliability of its digital platforms.
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