Court declines to suspend NTSA’s new camera-based instant traffic fines

Driver Kennedy Maingi Mutwiri had moved to court arguing that the system gives NTSA excessive powers that could be used to harass motorists on the roads. However, the court dismissed his application.

The new instant traffic fines system targeting speeding motorists, launched by NTSA on Monday, has sparked debate among drivers.

Many motorists argue the fines are too high and fear the system could be used to oppress road users.

One driver, Kennedy Maingi Mutwiri, petitioned the High Court seeking to halt the system, claiming it violates constitutional rights. However, the court declined to suspend the rollout.

NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa has defended the camera-based system, which detects speeding and issues fines instantly, saying it is not meant to raise revenue but to curb corruption and restore order on Kenyan roads.

"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," Nashon Kondiwa, NTSA Director General, stated.

Kondiwa explained that the cameras will capture the exact moment a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, and photographic evidence will be provided if disputes arise.

"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," Kondiwa stated.

However, some motorists have complained that certain roads lack clear speed limit signage, raising concerns about where the cameras will be installed and how drivers will observe the limits.

"We will ensure the cameras are accompanied by proper speed signs clearly indicating the required speed for that section of the road. Speed zones depend on the design of the road," Kondiwa stated.

For now, Kondiwa said motorists will pay the fines through KCB Bank as NTSA works to familiarise Kenyans with the system before expanding payment options.