Tractors, tuk tuks get new number plates
THE Kenya Revenue Authority has unveiled unique registration plates for tractors and Tuk Tuks to slow down the rate of new numbers coming into the market. The new numbers, introduced yesterday, will also affect owners of heavy machinery and forklifts. KRA says it is now registering over 100, 000 vehicles every year, up from 30, 000 seven years ago leading to a surge in request for new number plates.
The country has also seen a rapid growth in the number of Tuk Tuks being used in the country as as well as of motorcyles. It is estimated that there are close to over 14, 000 motor cycles registered every month in the country. “As a result, the rate at which KRA changes number plates from one series to another has grown tremendously,” KRA commissioner general Michael Waweru said during the launch of this year’s taxpayers’ week.
The rising demand for new plates has also been occasioned by the fact that many Kenyans now pay more attention to a vehicle’s registration number than its age when buying one. Waweru said KRA will use the taxpayers’ week to educate the masses on the new plates as well on other services offered by the revenue body. Among activities lined up for the week include seminars and tax lectures ins schools and colleges and provision of online VAT registration and renewal of driver licenses.
KRA also introduced a mobile taxpayer services bus which will be moving in various parts of the country to issue among others instant PIN certificates, registration of turnover taxpayers and verification of drivers and motor vehicle records.Meanwhile transport minister Amos Kimunya has warned rogue vehicle inspectors that their days are numbered.
Kimunya said the government is intensifying its crackdown on cartels who are issuing fake vehicle inspection certificates. “We are aware of the cartels…we will get them and the fines will not be easy,” said Kimunya adding that an expected Transport Integrated Management System that will soon be unveiled will also help to reduce cases of frauds in the sector.
The new system will use satellite technology to track a car’s history. It will have data on a particular vehicle including details on the owner, insurer, driver, license and in the case of public service vehicles, the tout. It will also have information on the number of accidents it has been involved in, if any, and any offences committed or fines paid will be on record.
