Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, in collaboration with its local partner Encapsulated East Africa Limited and the Kenyan National Transport and Safety Authority – NTSA, has successfully deployed a cutting-edge modular data centre solution to boost data performance and enhance service delivery across the country.
As part of its digital transformation strategy, the NTSA embarked on modernising its Transport Integrated Management System [TIMS] to improve service efficiency for citizens during vehicle registration and related services, fostering positive economic growth across Kenya.
The NTSA, established in 2012 to regulate vehicle growth and ensure road safety, initially introduced the TIMS platform to streamline key services, including vehicle registration, ownership transfers, and license issuance. In response to increasing service demands, the NTSA recognised the need for both a TIMS upgrade and a data centre infrastructure overhaul to ensure maximum service uptime and reliability for citizens.
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Seamless Integration with Vertiv™ SmartRow™ Solution
After a rigorous request-for-proposal process, the NTSA selected the Vertiv™ SmartRow™ solution—a self-contained, modular data centre infrastructure submitted by Vertiv and its local partner, Encapsulated East Africa Limited, a Vertiv diamond elite partner and systems integrator.
The Vertiv™ SmartRow™ offers a scalable and customisable solution supporting up to 10 IT racks. It integrates critical features such as cooling, uninterruptible power supply [UPS], power distribution, fire suppression, and backup ventilation. This factory-integrated solution ensures rapid installation and reduces upfront costs, offering a complete infrastructure optimised for modern IT environments.
Significant Improvements in Service Delivery and Efficiency
With the new Vertiv SmartRow solution deployed, the NTSA has reported a marked increase in uptime, lower energy consumption, and enhanced operational visibility. The modular, right-sized design has also enabled the ICT department to optimise cooling and power distribution, ensuring energy-efficient operations.
“The transition to the Vertiv solution was essential for meeting the rising expectations of vehicle owners and improving service delivery to citizens,” said Nashon Kondiwa, Deputy Director of ICT and Innovation at NTSA. “Our previous system presented significant challenges, but with the new integrated solution, we eliminated the need for multiple suppliers and complex integration processes. The compact design fit perfectly within our facility, with pre-integrated components such as access control, CCTV, and environmental sensors, streamlining installation and management.”
The improvements have also significantly reduced system downtime and processing queues. The TIMS platform, previously overwhelmed with 60,000 drivers waiting for applications to be processed, now boasts zero backlogs, with applications handled in real-time upon submission. Citizens can track the status of their service requests 24/7 through the online platform, enhancing customer satisfaction and service transparency.
“Since implementing the SmartRow system, we’ve seen license renewal compliance increase eightfold, now processing over 80,000 licenses per month, compared to just 10,000 previously,” Kondiwa added. “This reliable system has eased the burden on our staff and provides a more predictable environment to manage growing demand.”
Rapid Deployment and Customer Success
The entire rollout, initially estimated to take 10 months, was successfully completed within just six months.
“We are proud to have accelerated the deployment timeline from 10 months to six, thanks to our comprehensive integrated solutions portfolio. Our solutions not only streamline installation but also improve system reliability, a critical factor for customers navigating rapid digitalisation.” Noted Rohan Patil, Vertiv’s Regional Manager for East Africa.
The collaboration between NTSA, Vertiv, and Encapsulated East Africa reflects a commitment to deploying modern, efficient, and scalable infrastructure to support Kenya’s ongoing digital transformation. The new data centre ensures that citizens receive faster, more reliable services, while reducing energy consumption and operational costs for the agency.
