The Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) has welcomed the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) new Instant Fines System, though the group pointed out several gaps in how the initiative will actually work.
In a statement released on March 9, the FPTS noted that the technology-driven system could boost road discipline and cut down on corruption. However, transport operators are asking for urgent clarity on the rules, especially regarding who holds responsibility: vehicle owners, drivers, or SACCO management when a fine is issued.
“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 observed that many drivers still lack clear information about which offenses the cameras capture or how much the penalties cost. They are calling for the government to publish a transparent list so motorists can understand the rules before fines start piling up across the country.
“Drivers and the public need clear information on the offenses covered under the system and the amount charged for each offense. Publishing this information will help road users understand the rules and comply,” highlighted FPTS.
The federation also wants authorities to mark enforcement cameras clearly along highways and urban roads. They argue that international trends show drivers slow down when they know they are being watched, which effectively helps stop traffic violations.
“In many countries, traffic enforcement cameras are clearly marked and visible to road users. This helps drivers slow down and follow traffic rules. Clear visibility of cameras can therefore support compliance with traffic regulations,” stressed FPTS.
Another major concern involves who pays the bill. The group is asking for clarification on who the system holds responsible when a matatu commits an offense: the registered owner, the SACCO managers, or the person driving the vehicle at that specific time.
In some cases, different people operate the same public service vehicle (PSV), leaving operators unsure who will actually receive the digital penalties issued nationwide today.
The federation also recommended more transparency in traffic enforcement, specifically calling for police officers to wear body cameras during roadside operations. They argue that digital evidence could prevent disputes between motorists and officers on Kenyan roads.
Additionally, the group raised concerns about cross-border transport, as trucks from neighboring countries frequently pass through Kenya. Operators want authorities to explain how drivers of foreign-registered vehicles will receive notifications, pay their fines, and clear penalties before they leave the country.
The NTSA says its digital enforcement network uses more than 1,000 smart cameras to detect at least 37 different offenses in real time. These include speeding, lane indiscipline, driving on pavements, and seatbelt violations across Kenya.
The system generates penalties ranging from Ksh500 to Ksh10,000 depending on the offense. Motorists who fail to pay within seven days face extra interest charges and lose access to the NTSA service platform.
Drivers who ignore these fines will find themselves locked out of all NTSA transactions until they settle their debt. Officials believe this restriction will drive compliance as Kenya transitions to fully automated enforcement.
However, transport operators warn that the rollout comes during persistent budget gaps for road safety agencies. They fear that without steady government funding, the authorities might struggle to maintain the complex camera networks and data systems.
The sector also pointed to a growing backlog of traffic cases in the courts. They argue that if motorists choose to challenge these digital tickets nationwide, it could overwhelm an already strained judiciary.
For now, the federation is calling for a consultative meeting with the NTSA, the Judiciary, and the National Police Service (NPS). They want to sync the enforcement rules before the instant fines system permanently changes how millions of people drive every day.
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