The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has outlined the procedure for obtaining distinctive vehicle identification numbers like ‘KES 100M’ prior to the launch of new registration sequences.
This clarification followed an inquiry from a Kenyan social media user regarding the possibility of securing future number plates such as ‘KEG 500L’ and ‘KES 100M’ before their official release.
The posting gained rapid online attention because of the distinctive and appealing combinations, particularly ‘KES 100M’, which mirrors the Kenyan shilling abbreviation and represents one hundred million.
‘Can these plates be reserved? KEG 500L and KES 100M?’ inquired the social media user.
In their response, NTSA clarified that plates cannot be reserved prior to the official activation of registration sequences.
‘Reserve? No. Nevertheless, you may wait until or shortly before the KEG or KES series commences and then apply for a Special Plate,’ the Authority stated on its social media platform.
This indicates that although individuals cannot pre-order future number plates, they can still obtain their preferred combinations through the Special Plate application process when the registration approaches its launch.
Vehicle identification numbers are distributed sequentially and alphabetically, meaning combinations such as ‘KES 100M’ only become accessible when the KES series officially commences.
According to NTSA, interested vehicle owners can request specific combinations before they are allocated through the standard registration procedure.
Many Kenyans opt for specialized number plates as they are commonly linked to prestige, social standing, or personal identity.
Vehicle owners pursuing such registrations typically aim for plates displaying fortunate numbers, initials, names, business references, or symbols associated with wealth and luxury.
In Kenya, applying for a customized number plate featuring an individual’s name, initials, or other distinctive phrases costs approximately Ksh1,000,000.