Information PS Bitange Ndemo said the government will start with public transport vehicles and roll out the technology to other cars by February.
The move comes as the government rolls out e-government in the Transport ministry by setting up a centralised electronic data base to house car particulars such as ownership, compliance with traffic rules, and the number of times a vehicle has changed hands.
This will also enable buyers to verify a car’s history and ownership before entering into any deal.
The centralised data base can be accessed remotely, by use of mobile phones or computer, while a car which has been installed with the GPS technology can have its location traced or speed monitored and stored in the data base.
Such technology-based business monitoring systems are offering managers a real-time peep into what their employees are up to and the cost of such activities to their businesses.
The move is seen reducing car theft because of the traceability of original owners, as well as lowering operating costs.
Dr Ndemo said fitting a GPS gadget to a car costs between Sh25,000 and Sh30,000. “Days of speeding then bribing police officers are over. The technology will enable both the officer and the driver of the speeding vehicle to be arrested as the information will be made available at the central data base,” Dr ndemo said. “We are moving to an information based society, all our decisions must be based on accurate information and not hearsay. That is why the government is adopting technology to collect and relay real time information.”
Accessing the data and monitoring cars will be limited to where GPS operators have networks. It is not, however, clear whether those keen on authenticating particulars on ownership of cars will be charged or not.
The move will boost firms that are already in the business of importing and installing such gadgets. The gadgets are available in the country, with the most common one based on Tramigo software and retailing at Sh40,000. Whether the government will consider subsidising the cost of the gadget and installing it is not clear.
Limiting factor
Other than the GPS gadget, there exists other technologies such as radio frequency systems (RFS) and satellite based platforms which are used to achieve the same goal. However, mass installation of the gadgets comes with either a cost or technology limiting factor.
Kenyan entrepreneurs have found the systems useful for fleet management. Under the GPS system, technology is used to monitor fleets with mobile phones delivering information to managers.
Through a phone or computer, one can make a command and locate a car or retrieve fuel consumption information, among other functions. Experts say the GPS system is cheaper compared to satellite-based technology because one only needs to make a single payment for access to all information generated.
The only extra cost that the user incurs is the short message service (SMS) charge levied by the phone service provider.
The system also offers detailed information such as the exact location of a car. Its limitation is that it depends on the mobile phone network coverage.
The radio frequency system, on the other hand, relies on masts mounted by the service provider. This calls for extensive investment in infrastructure.
The technology’s strongest point is that it can detect vehicles within buildings or even those hidden underground. But unlike the GPS system that attracts a one-time fee, the RFS system attracts a monthly charge of between Sh2,000 and Sh3,000 besides an equipment fee of Sh37,000.
The satellite system uses satellite phones, whose pricing is beyond the reach of most potential users such as matatu operators. But its advantage is that the system can locate or track a vehicle globally.
Rising demand
Rising demand for fleet management systems has led to a corresponding increase in the number of service providers, although many consumers complain about the quality of services offered.
“Most service providers assume that they know what the client wants and do not take time to listen before installing a particular gadget,” said Car Search managing director Aloyce Obare.
Mr Obare said a good fleet management system not only enables a company to manage its overheads, but also integrates with other systems. Industry data indicates that fuel adulteration is the most common problem fleet managers face. This not only results in less mileage, but also causes damage to the vehicle.
Mr Obare said lack of proper information on which system to invest in has left many organisations and individuals with the wrong devices. While large firms benefit from internal IT expertise in terms of advice, small firms and individuals are at risk of investing in inappropriate systems.
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Quelle/Source: Business Daily Africa, 02.12.2010
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