The era of manual traffic policing in Kenya is making way for a high-tech future. In a major move to curb road carnage and instill driver discipline, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a massive Sh42 billion rollout of 1,000 smart speed cameras and a nationwide instant digital fines system.
The initiative, detailed in a public notice dated February 24, 2026, stems from a 21-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) involving the NTSA, KCB Bank Kenya Limited, and Pesa Print Limited. This technology-driven strategy seeks to eliminate weak enforcement and reckless driving, factors the authority noted “have contributed to a steady rise in traffic deaths.”
A 24/7 Surveillance Network
The NTSA plans to blanket the country’s road network with sophisticated monitoring tools. The deployment includes 700 fixed speed cameras positioned along major highways and high-risk blackspots, supported by 300 mobile units for flexible, targeted operations.
All 1,000 cameras will feed data directly into a National Command and Control Centre. This hub enables real-time monitoring, automated offense detection, and the immediate issuance of fines to violators. By automating the process, the NTSA expects to reduce corruption by minimizing direct contact between motorists and enforcement officers.
How the Instant Fine System Works
Under the new framework, motorists will no longer need to visit police stations or courts for minor infractions. The system aligns with the Traffic (Minor Offenses) Rules, 2016, and operates through a seamless digital loop:
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Detection: Cameras or officers identify a violation.
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Notification: The offender receives an instant SMS or mobile platform alert.
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Payment: Fines are settled via mobile money, USSD, or banking channels.
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Tracking: The system links to a Mobile Driving License (MDL) wallet, allowing drivers to view their offense history and compliance record.
A standout feature is the introduction of a driver merit and demerit points system. This tool tracks repeat offenders, providing a data-driven method to encourage long-term behavioral change.
The Cost of Non-Compliance: Key Fines
The NTSA is targeting speeding, a leading cause of fatalities, with a tiered penalty structure. If you exceed the limit in a 50 kph zone or other restricted areas, the costs escalate quickly:
| Speed Over Limit | Fine Amount |
| 6–10 km/h | Sh500 |
| 11–15 km/h | Sh3,000 |
| 16–20 km/h | Sh10,000 |
Beyond speeding, the authority has listed a wide array of instant fines for other common violations:
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Documentation & Plates: Driving without number plates or a valid inspection certificate will cost Sh10,000. Failing to carry or renew a driver’s license attracts a Sh1,000 fine.
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General Conduct: Using a mobile phone while driving results in a Sh2,000 penalty, while ignoring a police officer’s directions costs Sh3,000.
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Obstruction: Causing a road obstruction carries a heavy Sh10,000 fine. Failing to use reflective “lifesaver” triangles during a breakdown will cost you Sh3,000.
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Safety Gear: Riding a motorcycle without protective gear or carrying more than one pillion passenger results in a Sh1,000 fine.
Strict Discipline for the PSV Sector
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators face particularly stringent oversight. To restore order to the matatu industry, the NTSA has set clear penalties for both crews and passengers:
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Picking/Dropping Passengers: Drivers doing so outside designated stages face a Sh3,000 fine, while passengers boarding at unauthorized points will pay Sh1,000.
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Uniforms & Conduct: PSV drivers failing to wear badges or uniforms face a Sh2,000 penalty. Touting or failing to refund fares for incomplete journeys costs Sh3,000.
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Vehicle Standards: Operating a PSV without a speed governor or having non-compliant tinted windows results in fines of Sh10,000 and Sh3,000, respectively.
Efficiency and Accountability
The Sh42 billion project received Cabinet approval in late 2025 and is expected to significantly ease congestion in the Kenyan court system. By handling minor offenses administratively, the judiciary can focus on serious criminal cases and major accident litigations.
While Pesa Print manages the infrastructure and connectivity, the NTSA retains full enforcement authority. At the end of the 21-year contract, the entire camera and digital infrastructure will transfer fully to the government.
This move signals a new era of accountability for private motorists, matatu operators, and commercial drivers alike, as the government bets on technology to make Kenya’s roads safer for everyone.
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