Nairobi, Kenya- National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has begun reviewing speed limits across major roads as the government moves to address mounting concerns over controversial instant traffic fines.
The move comes days after the High Court of Kenya temporarily suspended the rollout of the fines system following a petition filed by Shadrack Wambui and Sheria Mtaani.
New Traffic Fine System Proposed
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced that the government is restructuring how traffic offences are handled.
Under the proposed system:
- Major offences will lead to court prosecution
- Minor offences will attract instant fines payable on the spot
The reforms aim to streamline enforcement while reducing pressure on the judicial system.
Chirchir said NTSA is working with key institutions including the Judiciary of Kenya, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, and the Kenya Law Reform Commission.
Speed Limits Under Fresh Review
The CS revealed that Kenya’s existing speed limits expired in 2016, prompting the need for updated regulations.
NTSA is now consulting stakeholders and standards bodies to revise the limits and align them with current road conditions and safety needs.
“They are currently reviewing the speed limits and standards and will issue an update,” Chirchir told Parliament.
He defended the instant fines system, saying it was introduced to improve efficiency.
“It is meant to decongest our courts and offer convenience,” he said.
Court Battle and What Happens Next
The instant fines system had faced strong criticism from motorists, with penalties ranging from Sh500 to Sh10,000 for offences such as speeding, lane violations, and failure to wear seatbelts.
Following the suspension, NTSA has moved back to court seeking orders to maintain enforcement until the case is fully heard.
If approved, the authority could resume issuing fines while awaiting a final ruling next month.
The outcome of the case is expected to shape the future of traffic enforcement, road safety, and motorist rights in Kenya.
