NAIROBI, Kenya — The High Court of Kenya has dismissed a petition seeking to suspend the instant traffic fines system introduced by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), clearing the way for the continued rollout of the digital enforcement programme targeting speeding motorists.
The petition had been filed by driver Kennedy Maingi Mutwiri, who argued that the new system grants the road safety authority excessive powers that could be used to harass motorists.
Mutwiri had asked the court to halt the system’s implementation, claiming it violated constitutional rights and could expose road users to unfair penalties. However, the court declined to suspend the programme.
Camera-Based Enforcement
The instant fines system, launched by NTSA earlier this week, relies on speed detection cameras installed along major roads to identify vehicles exceeding prescribed speed limits.
Once a violation is detected, the system records the incident and issues a fine linked to the vehicle owner.
NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa defended the programme, saying the digitised enforcement model is designed to curb speeding and eliminate corruption associated with manual traffic enforcement.
“The instant fine management is not about collecting cash; it is about bringing sanity to our roads. Eliminating corruption is another key issue. By digitising the process, we remove human negotiation,” Kondiwa said.
According to NTSA, the cameras capture photographic evidence of the offence, including the exact moment a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, which can be used to resolve disputes if motorists challenge the penalty.
Responsibility Falls on Vehicle Owners
Kondiwa said vehicle owners will initially be held responsible for offences linked to their cars unless they identify the person who was driving at the time.
“The era of impunity is over. NTSA is watching, the cameras are watching. When it comes to speeding, the vehicle owner will be charged. If someone else was driving, the owner must produce that person,” he said.
Concerns from Motorists
Despite the court’s decision, the system has generated debate among drivers, many of whom argue the fines are too high and could be used to target motorists unfairly.
Some road users have also raised concerns about the lack of clear speed limit signage on certain highways, warning that drivers may unknowingly violate limits if zones are not clearly marked.
In response, Kondiwa said NTSA will ensure that speed cameras are accompanied by clearly visible road signage indicating the applicable speed limits.
“Speed zones depend on the design of the road. We will ensure the cameras are accompanied by proper speed signs clearly indicating the required speed for that section of the road,” he said.
Payment System
For now, motorists who receive fines will be required to pay through KCB Bank, as NTSA works to familiarise the public with the system before introducing additional payment channels.
The authority says the technology-driven enforcement programme forms part of broader road safety reforms aimed at reducing accidents and restoring discipline on Kenya’s highways.
