Cabinet Greenlights Next-Gen Driving Licenses With Digital Features and Driver Points System

The Cabinet has approved the rollout of second-generation smart driving licenses as part of efforts to modernize Kenya’s transport system and enhance road safety.

In a cabinet dispatch released on Monday, December 15, authorities said the new licenses will be issued through a public–private partnership (PPP), integrating advanced features such as an instant fines system, a mobile license wallet, and driver merit and demerit points.

“Through innovative financing, Cabinet approved the rollout of Second-Generation Smart Driving Licences under a public–private partnership, integrating smart licences with an instant fines system, mobile licence wallet and driver merit and demerit points to enhance road safety and modernise licensing,” the statement read.

The second-generation licenses are embedded chip-based cards designed to store driver information, track driving history, enable digital payments, and securely maintain records. The smart cards also feature enhanced security, electronic wallets, and mobile app access, making enforcement and licensing management more efficient.

This development comes a month after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) revealed plans to enforce mandatory retests for drivers flagged by the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS), a move that could result in some drivers losing their licenses.

The IRSMS is a digital platform that monitors vehicles, including public service vehicles (PSVs) and commercial fleets, to ensure compliance with road rules. It tracks vehicle speed, braking habits, driver conduct, and route adherence, issuing real-time alerts for violations such as reckless overtaking or speeding.

NTSA Director General Angela Wanjira said in a statement on November 16 that retesting drivers flagged by the system is crucial to improving road safety, particularly during the festive season.

By analyzing violations and generating alerts for drivers who breach safety standards, the NTSA can target them for retraining, thereby improving overall road safety.

The introduction of second-generation smart driving licenses, alongside IRSMS monitoring, marks a significant step toward a safer and more digitally connected transport system in Kenya.

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