NTSA to Roll Out Digital Traffic Fines System on June 1
NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced that its new digital traffic fines system will take effect on June 1, 2026, allowing motorists accused of minor traffic offences to receive notifications through SMS and email.
The system replaces the earlier “Instant Fines Management System,” which was suspended in March following court challenges and public criticism.
NTSA said the revised framework was developed in consultation with the National Police Service (NPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Judiciary.
How the System Will Work
Under Sections 117 and 117A of the Traffic Act, traffic offences may be detected by police officers or through electronic surveillance tools such as traffic cameras, CCTV systems, and speed guns.
Motorists or registered vehicle owners will then receive a “Police Notification of Traffic Offence” detailing:
- the alleged offence,
- date and location,
- penalty amount,
- payment instructions,
- and response timelines.
Notifications may be delivered physically, attached to a vehicle, or sent electronically through SMS, email, or approved digital platforms.
Motorists Can Pay or Challenge Fines
NTSA said motorists will have the option of either paying the prescribed fine or contesting the offence in court.
The authority added that motorists will be allowed to access supporting evidence, including photographs and video footage, before making a decision.
Failure to respond to notices or settle penalties within the required timelines could result in court action or restrictions on NTSA services such as licence renewal and vehicle transactions.
Push for Transparency
NTSA said the system is intended to improve road safety, reduce congestion in traffic courts, and promote transparency in enforcement.
The authority also said reducing direct cash interactions between motorists and traffic officers could help curb bribery and corruption on the roads.
Motorists have been advised to update their contact details in the NTSA database to avoid missing notifications.
NTSA said personal data collected under the system would be handled in accordance with the Constitution and the Data Protection Act.
Background to the Rollout
An earlier version of the digital enforcement system launched in March was suspended after petitions were filed in court challenging its legality.
Lawyer Danstan Omari, acting under the Sheria Mtaani initiative, argued that the earlier framework denied motorists the right to a fair hearing.
The revised system now includes a formal dispute-resolution process and was redesigned following consultations with the Judiciary and the ODPP.
Mixed Reactions
Transport industry stakeholders have expressed mixed views on the rollout.
The Federation of Public Transport Sector called for clarity on how offences involving hired drivers and public service vehicles would be handled.
Some motorists welcomed the changes, saying they could reduce delays associated with court appearances and improve accountability.
Others, however, raised concerns about possible errors in automated enforcement and the need for safeguards to protect motorists’ rights.
NTSA said the system will initially cover selected minor traffic offences before expanding gradually to other violations.