The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) explained why its officers removed number plates from vehicles.
In response to questions from Kenyans, the NTSA stated that number plates are usually removed from vehicles that are deemed mechanically unsound.
In addition, the Authority explained that vehicles were subjected to a variety of tests to determine their roadworthiness.
According to the NTSA, the check is usually performed by experts, who then give the go-ahead to remove the number plates.
Further, removing number plates from a vehicle prevents motorists from using it until the problem is resolved.
According to the Traffic Act Cap 403, no vehicle may operate on the road without a number plate.
"No motor vehicle or trailer registered under this Act or driven under the authority of a general dealer’s licence shall be used on a road unless there is fixed thereto in the prescribed manner the prescribed number of identification plates of the prescribed design and colour on which is inscribed the identification mark of the vehicle or of the general dealer’s licence," reads the Act in part.