The Kenya Police Service has explained the different types of red number plates used by diplomats and international organization officials operating in Kenya.
According to the Diplomatic Police Unit on October 2, the plates are issued under different categories, including those marked CD, KX, and DX, depending on the institution or organization represented.
The police said the classifications help identify diplomats, United Nations officials, and representatives of international organizations operating in Kenya.
“Whether it’s an ambassador, a U.N. agency, or an international team, those red plates represent official global duties right here in Kenya,” part of the statement said.
What Red Number Plates Mean
The CD plates are assigned to foreign missions and embassies. The numbers following the CD designation identify the respective country, with examples including Germany, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Additionally, KPS stated that the KX plates are issued to international organizations that are not affiliated with a particular country. The police service cited organizations such as the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders as examples.
The DX plates, on the other hand, are issued to international organizations affiliated with a specific country. Examples given include USAID and German cooperation agencies.
Identity Cards Vary in Colours
Further, the Diplomatic Police Unit also explained that diplomatic identity cards are issued in four categories, each identified by a different colour stripe.
Identity cards bearing a red stripe are issued to heads of missions, while those with a blue stripe are issued to officials working with United Nations agencies.
Officials serving in the consular sections of embassies receive cards with a green stripe, while those working for international organizations are issued cards with a yellow stripe.
Who Is Eligible for the Number Plates?
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs issues diplomatic number plates in Kenya to accredited foreign missions, international organizations, and qualified diplomats, in coordination with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Only recognized embassies, high commissions, consular posts, and approved international organizations, including United Nations agencies, qualify for the special plates. Individual applicants cannot apply for diplomatic number plates as private citizens.
Instead, the respective diplomatic mission or international organization must apply officially through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Once the application is approved, the vehicle details are submitted for processing and registration through the NTSA system, after which the official red reflective number plates are issued.
Diplomatic number plates also indicate that the vehicles are subject to special legal and administrative arrangements.
Vehicles bearing CD plates may enjoy certain privileges, including exemptions from some customs requirements, parking restrictions, and traffic-related provisions.
However, diplomatic status does not place the vehicles outside Kenyan law, and their users must still comply with applicable traffic regulations.
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