The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has clarified on the personal information it collects and makes available through motor vehicle records, following concerns raised by a citizen about potential data privacy breach.
The issue came to light after a citizen, in a post on the social media platform X, expressed concerns about the personal data NTSA can access through a vehicle’s license plate number.
“NTSA don’t understand Data Privacy. You mean to tell me you can get name, email, KRA pin, phone number & ID No. from searching a plate number,” remarked the citizen.
In response, NTSA has provided a clear explanation of the details included in the public copy of the motor vehicle record.
The authority, in a statement made on April 26, stated that the record includes information about the registered owner(s) of a vehicle or motorcycle, such as the owner’s name, KRA PIN, and any charges associated with the vehicle.
Details of what is contained in the records
However, NTSA was quick to clarify that the copy of the record does not reveal the email address, ID number, or phone number of the registered owner(s).
“Note: The motor vehicle copy of records does not reveal the Email address, ID number and phone number of the registered owner (s),” said the authority.
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Additionally, NTSA said that the record also highlights the particulars of the vehicle/motorcycle which include, the Chassis number, model, engine number, entry number, fuel type, logbook number, registration date, and caveat status among other details.
NTSA Gives Assurance of Compliance
NTSA assured that it handles personal data in accordance with the principles outlined in the Data Protection Act to allay fears among concerned members of the public.
“The Authority complies with all requirements of the Data Protection Act,” said NTSA.
While noting that the motor vehicle copy of records is a public document, and citizens have the right to access this information under the Access to Information Act, the authority emphasized that the personal details available are limited to the information mentioned above.
NTSA’s Commitment to Protecting Privacy
On its website’s privacy page, NTSA outlines its commitment to protecting the personal data of individuals.
It states that NTSA collects and processes personal information in accordance with the Kenyan Data Protection Act of 2019, which establishes principles and rights around the handling of personal data.
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Specifically, the page explains that NTSA collects personal data such as names, contact details, and vehicle registration information to fulfill its mandate of regulating and managing the transport sector.
“The information we collect about you will be for specified and legitimate purposes and will not be further processed in a manner incompatible with those purposes.” reads the page.
The authority assures that this data is stored securely and only accessed by authorized personnel.
The page also informs users of their rights under the Data Protection Act, including the ability to access, correct, or delete their personal information held by NTSA.
To access details about a vehicle, log into the E-Citizen and select NTSA service portal. Go to services and click on motor vehicle copy of records. Enter the chassis number or motor vehicle registration and then submit.
Then select payment mode and click submit to complete the transaction of Ksh550. Then go to the application history and click on view to download motor vehicle copy of records.
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