For quite some time, the Kenyan National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has been facing a daunting challenge in modernizing its vehicle registration system to meet the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population.
The solution to this dilemma finally came in the form of a partnership with Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, and local firm Encapsulated East Africa Limited.
The partnership stepped in to provide a transformative data center solution that not only streamlined NTSA’s operations but also enhanced the overall experience for Kenyan citizens. The key to this transformation lies with the Vertiv SmartRow, a self-contained data center that has simplified IT deployments within the authority’s existing facilities.
According to Nashon Kondiwa, deputy director of ICT and innovation at NTSA, the Vertiv SmartRow simplifies processes, enhances system security, and broadens access to our online services, while also reducing stress on our staff by providing them with a highly reliable and more predictable system.
This modular and scalable solution has allowed for the customization and scalability for capacity of up to ten racks, integrated cooling, uninterrupted power supply (UPS), power distribution, fire suppression and backup ventilation.
In fact, the impact of this solution has been immediate. The deployment of the Vertiv SmartRow solution, with its built-in redundancy and close monitoring of the operating environment, has resulted in increased up-time and lower energy costs for the NTSA.
However, the true measure of success lays in the improved customer service experienced by Kenyan citizens. Gone are the days of lengthy queues and frustrating delays.
The NTSA’s revamped Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) now processes vehicle registration applications in a matter of minutes, with users able to track the status of their requests online, 24 hours a day.
The backlog of 60,000 pending applications that was there before, vanished, as the system seamlessly now handles over 80,000 license renewals per month – an eight-fold increase compared to the previous system where it handled only 10,000 new licenses per month.
“Modernizing our systems was crucial to meet vehicle owners’ expectations and improve service delivery to citizens. Our ICT department faced continuous challenges maintaining the previous system, we had to transform the way business is done. The Vertiv solution eliminates the need to deal with multiple suppliers and integration challenges, and its compactness makes it an ideal fit in our current facility. With access control, CCTV, environmental monitoring, sensors, power, and cooling pre-integrated, installation and management became much easier and quicker,” said Nashon Kondiwa.
The new system has also significantly improved citizen compliance in terms of license renewals.
Prior to the installation of the new data center, license renewal compliance hovered around 45-50%.
Many people would give up on the process due to the difficulty in accessing a functioning online system. However, with the new system now in place, compliance has risen to over 80%.
This partnership stands as a shining example of how innovative technology can revolutionize public services and enhance the lives of citizens.
By streamlining the vehicle registration process, the NTSA has not only improved efficiency but also contributed to the country’s economic growth and development.
