Court suspends NTSA instant traffic fines system

Kenya’s High Court has temporarily suspended the rollout of the automated traffic fines system introduced by the National Transport and Safety Authority, halting the issuance and enforcement of instant penalties across the country.

In orders issued Thursday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the High Court of Kenya granted conservatory orders stopping the system until a petition filed by lawyer Shadrack Wambui is heard and determined.

The court directed NTSA and all parties involved to immediately halt the issuance, generation, demand, or enforcement of instant or automated traffic penalties under the contested Instant Fines Traffic Management System.

Justice Mwamuye further barred authorities from using algorithm-based or other automated systems to issue traffic fines until the case is fully heard and determined.

Court blocks automated traffic penalties

The ruling restrains respondents, their agents, officers, and individuals acting on their behalf—including those operating within a multi-agency enforcement framework—from implementing the automated fines system.

The legal challenge questions the legality and procedural fairness of the system, which had sparked debate among motorists, transport operators, and road safety stakeholders.

According to court documents, the petitioner argues that the automated enforcement mechanism raises concerns about due process and the legality of issuing penalties without direct human oversight.

The petitioner must serve the court order to all respondents by March 13, 2026, while NTSA and the State Law Office are required to file their responses by March 20, 2026.

The matter will be mentioned again on April 9, 2026, when the court will confirm compliance and set a date for an expedited hearing.

The judge emphasized that the court intends to reach a final determination within 90 days of the mention date.

NTSA automated system rollout paused

NTSA had announced earlier this week that the fully automated system was operational and would issue traffic fines without human intervention as part of the Usalama Barabarani road safety initiative.

Smart cameras installed along major highways including Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road and the Southern Bypass capture violations in real time.

The technology uses Artificial Intelligence and Automatic Number Plate Recognition to match vehicle registration details with NTSA databases and drivers’ digital licences.

Traffic fines would range from Sh500 to Sh10,000 depending on the offence.

Drivers would be required to pay within seven days through banks, mobile money services such as M-Pesa, or USSD codes.

Failure to pay within the specified period would attract interest penalties and block motorists from accessing NTSA services including vehicle inspections, logbook transfers, and ownership applications.

NTSA said the automated system was designed to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in traffic enforcement while reducing manual processes and human error.