Ever wondered what those number plates on Kenyan roads really mean? Whether it’s the common black-on-white or those weird red, green or blue ones — each colour and format tells a story.
In this guide, we break down the different types of number plates in Kenya, what they mean, who uses them and why you should know the difference.
Why Number Plates Matter
In Kenya, vehicle number plates are not just random codes. They’re designed to show:
- Vehicle ownership
- Type of use (private, commercial, government, diplomatic, etc.)
- Registration history
- Compliance with laws and security protocols
Knowing how to recognize them can help you avoid fraud, spot government vehicles or just satisfy your curiosity in traffic.
Types of Number Plates in Kenya (With Meanings)
Here are the most common number plate types on Kenyan roads:
1. Standard Private and Commercial Vehicles – Black on White/Yellow
- Format: Kxx 123X (e.g., KDC 123A)
- Colour:
- White background (front)
- Yellow background (rear)
- Black letters and numbers
- Use: Private and commercial vehicles
This is the most common type of plate you’ll see on the road — regular vehicles owned by individuals or businesses.
2. Government Vehicles – White/Yellow Plates
- Format: GK 123A or GKA 123A
- Colour: White/Yellow background with black letters
- Use: Government ministries, parastatals and official use vehicles
These plates mean a vehicle is owned by the Government of Kenya (GK). You’ll often see them during official duties or around government offices.
3. Diplomatic Vehicles – Red Plates
- Format: CD/CM/UN followed by numbers
- Colour: Red background with white letters
- Use: Embassies, high commissions, international organizations and UN vehicles
CD means Corps Diplomatique, CM is Consular Missions, and UN is for United Nations vehicles. These vehicles enjoy certain diplomatic privileges on the road.
4. County Government Vehicles – Green Plates
- Format: CG 123A
- Colour: Green background with white characters
- Use: County government departmentsSince devolution, counties own and register their vehicles under CG-coded number plates. For example, a plate like MKS CG 001A would be for Machakos County Government.
5. Parliament Vehicles – Blue with Coat of Arms
- Format: National Assembly or Senate with a number
- Colour: Blue plate with the Kenyan coat of arms
- Use: Official use by Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators
These are specially issued and not part of the standard registration system. They’re used by elected leaders in their official capacity.
6. Motorcycles – Smaller Plates
- Format: Kxx 123X (like cars)
- Colour:
- White (front)
- Yellow (rear)
- Smaller in size
- Use: Motorbikes and tuk-tuks (three-wheelers)
Boda bodas fall under this category, but their plates are usually compact to fit motorcycle frames.
7. Dealer Plates – White on Green (Temporary Use)
- Format: Usually short codes like “Kxx D” or Dealer Name
- Color: Green background, white letters
- Use: Car dealers during test drives or while vehicles await registration
You might see these on brand-new imports still at the yard or on test drives.
8. Civilian Plates With Personalized Touch (Customized)
- Format: Chosen by vehicle owner (e.g., BOSS 001)
- Color: Same as regular (white/yellow)
- Use: Privately customized for a fee
Yes, in Kenya you can buy a custom plate — though it costs quite a bit and requires KRA approval.
What About the New Digital Number Plates?
In 2022, Kenya rolled out digital number plates with:
- Anti-counterfeit features
- QR codes
- Security chips
- KRA watermark and hologram
These are slowly replacing the older ones and are meant to enhance vehicle tracking and reduce fraud. New vehicles are now registered with these plates, and existing owners are being encouraged to upgrade.
Important Notes
- Falsifying number plates is a serious offense. Always confirm ownership through NTSA’s TIMS portal before purchasing a car.
- Plate color = ownership/use. Don’t assume all cars are privately owned just because they look regular.
- Insurance and taxes are also tied to your number plate — keep it legit.