Six Kenyans that own Customized Prestigious Car number-plates

KENYA: In Kenya personalised car plate number is seen as a statement of individuality.

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority database only a few car owners are opting for custom plates.

The mark of distinction comes with either having a name inscribed on the metal plate at a price of Sh1 million or getting one that matches with your lucky triple numbers, which costs Sh30,000.

The uptake of the Sh1 million custom plates is still low with only five Kenyans driving cars with their names or initials.
In the exclusive club of five is billionaire investor Chris Kirubi who owns three cars with personalised plates.

The other four cars are owned by Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, flamboyant lawyer Donald Kipkorir, international football stars MacDonald Mariga and his brother Victor Wanyama.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in September introduced the Sh30,000 charge to clamp down on the triple licence plates frenzy and the fee has not subdued demand.
Jacqueline Githinji, the NTSA director in charge of registration, said car owners seeking triple numbers are willing to wait until a new series begins, ‘‘which depends on the rate at which new car registrations are happening.’’
Some car owners wait for up to two months, depending on the volumes of imports.

But some people shy away from the exposure that comes with driving a car with a personal label.
Mr Kipkorir said he is not scared of the exposure the personalised number plates give him, adding that it is a good revenue stream for the government as ‘‘all developed countries have a similar policy.’’

UPDATE: Former Kamkunji MP Maina Wanjigi has joined an exclusive class of Kenyans driving cars many see only on TVs and photos in magazines.

The business man has imported a Rolls Royce Wraith worth KSh 30, 000,000.

For more Click Here