Kenya to Roll Out Instant Traffic Fines Under New Digital Enforcement System

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-19 14:00 EAT. Kenya is set to introduce an instant traffic fines system to curb road carnage and streamline penalties for traffic offenders, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced at the National Road Safety Conference in Nairobi.

The Latest

The digital enforcement framework will integrate the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), police, and judiciary to issue fines electronically. Offenders will receive instant notifications and pay penalties via mobile money or banking platforms, eliminating long court queues and opportunities for bribery.

“This system will make enforcement swift, transparent, and efficient,” said Chirchir, adding that the bill enabling instant fines will be tabled in Parliament later this year.

How It Works

• Cameras at junctions & highways will capture offences such as:

  • Speeding

  • Running red lights

  • Illegal overtaking

• Footage transmitted to a central command centre for verification

• Digital fines generated automatically and sent via SMS or mobile app to offenders

• Integration with Intelligent Transport Management System piloted earlier this year

Context & Background

Kenya recorded 3,397 road deaths in the first nine months of 2025, underscoring the urgent need for effective enforcement measures. Officials say the system will improve revenue collection, reduce corruption by eliminating cash payments, and support data-driven road safety interventions.

Voices & Reactions

• Transport CS Davis Chirchir:

  “We must embrace technology to save lives and modernise traffic enforcement.”

• Road Safety Advocates:

  Welcomed the system but urged equal investment in driver education and road infrastructure repairs.

• County Governments:

  Pledged to collaborate to ensure fines are fairly administered and revenues accountably managed.

Evidence & Data Box

• Road deaths (Jan–Sept 2025): 3,397 fatalities

• Key institutions: NTSA, Judiciary, Police Service

• Pilot project: Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS)

Risks & Implications

• Governance: Need for transparent revenue sharing between national & county governments

• Digital justice: Safeguards against wrongful fines and system errors

• Public perception: Risk of backlash if seen as revenue-driven rather than safety-focused

What We Don’t Know

• Rollout timeline for cameras & command centres

• Potential fines and penalty amounts

• Appeals process for disputed violations

Timeline

• Early 2025: ITMS pilot launched

• Sept 2025: Digital fines framework announced

• Late 2025: Bill expected in Parliament for debate

What to Watch

• Parliament’s handling of the Instant Fines Bill

• Possible pilot launch in Nairobi & major highways

• Integration with existing e-Citizen services