Kenya Number Plate Decoder

Decode any Kenya vehicle registration plate. Find the county of registration, approximate year, and plate type (private, government, diplomatic).

Transport & TravelNational Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)Rarely changes

Enter at least the 3-letter prefix (e.g. KDA, KBZ, GK)

Kenya Plate Types

ColorTypeDescription
White text on blackPrivate vehicleStandard private registration
White text on yellowCommercial/PSVPublic service vehicles (matatus, buses, taxis)
Red text on whiteDiplomaticDiplomatic vehicles
White text on redTemporaryTemporary registration plates
White text on blueGovernmentGovernment vehicles (GK prefix)
PersonalizedPersonalizedCustom plates available via NTSA for additional fee

Special / Government Plate Prefixes

PrefixTypeDescription
GKGovernmentCentral Government vehicles
GAGovernmentAdministration Police vehicles
KNPGovernmentKenya National Police Service
KDFGovernmentKenya Defence Forces (military)
CDDiplomaticDiplomatic corps — followed by country code number
CCDiplomaticConsular corps
UNInternationalUnited Nations vehicles

Important Notes

  • • Kenya registration plates follow the format KXX 000X (3-letter prefix, space, 3 digits, 1 letter suffix).
  • • The letter 'I' and 'O' are omitted from prefixes to avoid confusion with numbers 1 and 0.
  • • Registration is centralized in Nairobi — the prefix does NOT indicate where the vehicle operates, only where it was registered.
  • • Since 2004, nearly all new registrations are processed in Nairobi, making prefix-to-county mapping less meaningful for newer plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Kenya number plate prefixes mean?
Kenya plates follow the format KXX 000X (3-letter prefix, 3 digits, 1 letter). The prefix historically indicated the county of registration and approximate year. Since most registrations now happen centrally in Nairobi, newer prefixes mainly indicate the year of registration.
What does GK mean on a Kenya plate?
GK stands for 'Government of Kenya' and is used on all central government vehicles. These plates are white with blue text.
What is a CD number plate in Kenya?
CD plates belong to diplomatic corps (foreign embassies and consulates). The number after CD indicates the country. CC plates are for consular corps.
Why are letters I and O missing from Kenya plates?
The letters I and O are omitted from Kenya registration plate prefixes to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0.
Can I get a personalized number plate in Kenya?
Yes, NTSA offers personalized/vanity plates for an additional fee. However, these plates cannot be decoded to determine registration county or year.

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