Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has cast a light on the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for failing to effectively implement the Smart Driving Licence project, potentially leading to a staggering cost of Ksh.1.19 billion to taxpayers.
The Auditor General’s report paints a clear picture of a disturbing lack of accountability and efficiency within the administration of this crucial initiative.
The genesis of the issue stems from the signing of a contract on March 8, 2017, between NTSA and a local bank for the production of five million smart cards, valued at Ksh.2 billion.
However, as of June 30, 2023, despite the delivery of 4,042,050 smart cards, only a mere 1,479,176 cards had been utilized.
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This glaring discrepancy has resulted in a surplus of 2,562,874 unused cards, valued at a staggering Ksh.788,852,617, lingering in NTSA’s inventory.
The Smart Driving Licence project, which was intended to be completed by March 2020, now finds itself four years behind schedule.
The delay raises serious concerns about the efficacy of NTSA’s project management capabilities and its ability to fulfill essential public service obligations promptly.
