NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has activated a new instant traffic fines system that will notify motorists of road offences through SMS, marking a significant shift in how traffic violations are enforced in Kenya.
In a statement issued Monday, the authority confirmed that the Instant Fines Traffic Management System is now operational. Under the new framework, drivers who commit traffic violations will receive automatic notifications detailing the offence and the penalty payable.
“The Instant Fines Traffic Management System is now live. The system will automatically issue traffic violation notifications via SMS to motorists where applicable,” NTSA said.
Motorists cited for violations will be required to settle the penalty within seven days. Failure to pay within that period will attract interest on the outstanding amount.
NTSA warned that drivers who fail to clear the fines may also face restrictions when accessing government transport services.
“Failure to pay the fine within the stipulated period will result in the amount due earning interest, and the driver shall be barred from making any other transaction in any NTSA service platform,” the authority added.
The system relies on more than 1,000 smart traffic cameras installed along major roads. The cameras can detect at least 37 different traffic offences in real time, allowing authorities to enforce road safety laws digitally without direct police intervention.
Key violations captured by the technology include speeding, lane discipline breaches, driving on pavements, and failure to wear seatbelts.
According to NTSA, penalties under the new system will range between Sh500 and Sh10,000, depending on the severity of the offence.
The rollout follows a directive from William Ruto urging authorities to accelerate the deployment of smart traffic monitoring infrastructure across the country.
Speaking during a meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice at State House, Nairobi, earlier this month, the president criticised delays in implementing the instant fines programme.
“We have taken forever, the Ministry of Transport. Why don’t we enforce the instant fines programme? Why haven’t we rolled out the cameras on our roads?” Ruto said.
He directed officials to install the systems in five or six major towns within one month and ensure they are fully integrated into the digital enforcement framework.
“Rolling out cameras is not rocket science. Let us roll out the cameras in the five or six major towns within one month. Those cameras should be connected to the whole framework of instant fines,” he added.
Davis Chirchir, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, told the meeting that the project would be delivered within the required timeline through an investor-supported programme.
Authorities say the technology aims to improve compliance with traffic rules and reduce road accidents by introducing faster and more transparent enforcement.
NTSA urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and respond promptly to official notifications issued through the system as the country transitions to technology-driven road enforcement.
