NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority has announced a new framework allowing motorists accused of minor traffic offences to settle fines without mandatory court appearances, with the system set to take effect on June 1, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Authority said drivers found committing certain traffic violations will instead receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence, giving them the option to either admit liability and pay a prescribed fine or challenge the allegation in court.
Shift from mandatory court process
The announcement marks a major policy shift in traffic law enforcement and comes two months after NTSA suspended the earlier rollout of its instant fines management system following public criticism and court challenges.
According to the Authority, the revised framework was developed after consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Police Service.
“Motorists who commit certain minor traffic offences will no longer need to appear in court immediately. Instead, they may receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence,” the statement said.
How the new system will work
Under the new process, offences may be detected either physically by police officers during routine enforcement or electronically through traffic cameras and digital monitoring systems.
Once evidence is collected, motorists or registered vehicle owners will receive notifications outlining the offence committed, including the date, location, prescribed fine, payment instructions, and response timelines.
NTSA said motorists may receive notices through several channels, including:
- Personal delivery by police officers
- Notices affixed to vehicles
- SMS notifications
- Email communication
- Approved digital platforms
The Authority has advised motorists to ensure their contact information is updated in the vehicle registration system to avoid missing notices.
Option to dispute allegations retained
Despite the shift toward administrative settlement of minor offences, NTSA stressed that motorists still retain the constitutional right to challenge allegations in court.
“Upon receiving a notice, motorists have two options: they may admit liability and pay the prescribed fine within the stipulated period, or they may dispute the allegation in court,” NTSA stated.
The Authority further clarified that courts will retain powers to reduce or refund penalties depending on mitigating circumstances and may still impose demerit points on drivers where applicable.
Data protection and evidence access
NTSA also assured the public that motorists will have access to supporting evidence, including photographs and video recordings tied to alleged offences.
The Authority said all personal data collected under the system will be handled in compliance with the Constitution and the Data Protection Act.
Non-compliance may attract harsher penalties
Motorists who fail to respond to notifications, settle fines, or appear in court when required risk facing stricter penalties through the judicial process.
The revised framework is expected to reduce congestion in traffic courts while streamlining enforcement and improving efficiency in handling minor traffic offences.
NTSA added that a detailed Frequently Asked Questions guide on the new system and applicable offences has been published on its official platform ahead of implementation next month.
