EXPLAINER: How New NTSA’s Instant Fine System Works Amidst Public Motorists’ Uproar
Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) has welcomed the move of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on the Instant Fines System Technology, albeit with several concerns about some implementation gaps in the new initiative.
In a statement released on March 9, FPTS said the technology-driven system has the potential to improve road discipline and reduce corruption.
However, operators are calling for urgent clarification on enforcement rules, particularly regarding responsibilities for vehicle owners, drivers, and SACCO management across the country.
“The use of technology will help improve driver discipline and reduce corruption, which can lead to fewer road accidents in Kenya,” states FPTS.
The federation noted that many drivers still lack clear information on offences captured by the cameras and the penalties attached.
They called for the publishing of a transparent list, which could help motorists understand rules before fines accumulate across Kenya.
“Drivers and the public need clear information on the offences covered under the system and the amount charged for each offence,” highlighted FTPS.
“Publishing this information will help road users understand the rules and comply.”
The group also want enforcement cameras visibly marked along highways and urban road.
They stated that international experience shows drivers slow down when they know surveillance exists, effectively helping to curb violations.
“In many countries, traffic enforcement cameras are clearly marked and visible to road users,” stressed FPTS.
“This helps drivers slow down and follow traffic rules. Clear visibility of cameras can therefore support compliance with traffic regulations.”
Another concern centres on who the responsibility of the fine falls on, especially in a situation where a traffic violation involves a matatu whose registered owner, SACCO managers, is not the primary operator at the time of an offence.
In some instances, a PSV is operated by different individuals, leaving operators uncertain about who ultimately receives penalties issued digitally today nationwide.
The federation also recommended expanding transparency tools within traffic enforcement, including body cameras for police officers conducting roadside operations.
They argued that digital evidence could reduce disputes between motorists and officers during enforcement encounters across Kenyan roads.
The issue of Cross-border transport also came to play since trucks from neighbouring countries regularly pass through Kenya.
Operators want authorities to explain how foreign-registered vehicles will receive notifications, pay fines and clear penalties before exiting.
NTSA says the digital enforcement network relies on more than 1000 smart cameras capable of detecting at least 37 different offences in real time including speeding lane indiscipline pavement driving and seatbelt violations across Kenya.
Penalties generated by the system range from Ks500 to Ksh10,000 depending on the offence, with motorists who fail to pay within seven days risking additional interest charges and blocked NTSA service platform access.
Drivers who ignore the fines will also be locked out of transactions on NTSA service platforms until payment is made, a move officials say will push compliance as the country shifts toward automated enforcement systems.
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Transport operators, however, warn the rollout is happening amid persistent budget shortfalls affecting road safety enforcement agencies.
This raises fears that maintenance of camera data systems and monitoring infrastructure could struggle without sustained government funding support.
The sector also points to an existing backlog of traffic-related court cases arguing that disputes over automated penalties could add pressure on the Judiciary if motorists challenge digital tickets filed across Kenyan courts nationwide.
For now, the federation says a consultative meeting with NTSA, the Judiciary, and the National Police Service (NPS) is necessary to align enforcement rules before the instant fines system fully reshapes how millions drive daily nationwide.
EXPLAINER: How New NTSA’s Instant Fine System Works Amidst Public Motorists’ Uproar
