NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court has dismissed a petition by activist Okiya Omtata challenging the award of a tender for Kenya’s second-generation securitized number plates.
Justice L.N. Mugambi ruled that Omtata failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove allegations of bad faith or procedural irregularities in the procurement process.
Omtata’s case revolved around the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)’s decision to directly procure the number plates from M/S Chalbi Industries Limited.
He argued that the move was unconstitutional and wasteful, pointing out that state-of-the-art equipment to produce the plates locally had already been purchased and commissioned at Kamiti Main Prison.
“This tender was awarded to Tropical Technology Limited, which signed the contract on April 4, 2014. The requisitioned and delivered machines were namely: two embossing machines and tools, two hot stamping machines, and one pneumatic press machine. Once the prisons personnel were trained on the use of these machines, they were commissioned at Kamiti Prison,” Omtata submitted in court.
He also challenged the government’s directive requiring motorists to pay Ksh. 3,000 for the new plates, arguing that they should be issued free of charge.
However, NTSA Director General George Njao countered that Omtata’s petition was premature and unfounded.
He clarified that NTSA had not yet engaged Chalbi Industries for the supply of the plates.
Njao also defended the Ksh. 3,000 fee, stating it covered production costs and calling Omtata’s demand for free issuance “irrational.”
Justice Mugambi upheld the legality of direct procurement under specific conditions.
“It is a lawful method of procuring goods and services as long as the prescribed legal conditions are met and the process is done in good faith,” he ruled.
He added that Omtata’s claims lacked the necessary evidence to substantiate bad faith or impropriety.
“In the overall analysis and in view of my findings on each of the issues that I have isolated and addressed specifically in this judgment; I do not find any merit in this Petition which I hereby dismiss,” the judge concluded.
The second-generation securitized number plates, designed to enhance vehicle registration and security, were officially launched on October 1, 2024, by then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
