The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has called for the immediate rollout of an on-the-spot traffic fine system payable through mobile money platforms, aiming to eliminate the conventional court-based enforcement that it describes as costly and inefficient. The group argues this would ease court backlogs and boost road safety. The proposal arrives as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) prepares to launch instant fines amid Kenya's push toward digitized services.
The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has submitted a proposal to President William Ruto, the Inspector General, the Chief Justice, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and other officials, urging the swift adoption of on-the-spot traffic fines and penalties payable via mobile money for specific traffic violations under the law.
In their statement, the group highlights that the existing system, which routes most traffic offences through courts, has proven inefficient, expensive, and counterproductive. "The current system whereby most traffic offences are channelled through the courts has, over time, proven to be inefficient, costly, and counter-productive. It consumes disproportionate judicial time, imposes avoidable financial and opportunity costs on road users, and creates unnecessary congestion within the criminal justice system for offences that are largely minor, administrative, and non-criminal in nature," the association stated.
They contend that instant fines would enhance judicial efficiency, strengthen road safety, and reduce bribery opportunities. The initiative aligns with Kenya's digital transformation goals, noting that neighboring countries have implemented similar systems despite less developed digital infrastructures.
NTSA is set to introduce these fines under the Traffic Minor Offences Act of 2016, targeting drivers without licenses, speeding, and those failing to carry vehicle documents. Penalties will range from Ksh 500 to Ksh 10,000 based on the offence. For instance, driving without identification plates or a valid inspection certificate carries a Ksh 10,000 fine. Offences such as operating an unqualified PSV or failing to stop when directed by police attract Ksh 5,000.
For speeding, NTSA applies graduated penalties, from a warning for exceeding limits by 1-5 km/h to Ksh 10,000 for up to 20 km/h over. Countries like France, Spain, Germany, and Italy already use such systems. KTA argues this would improve government revenue by directing fines straight to official accounts, minimizing leakages from cash payments.
The push coincides with NTSA's plans to reduce traffic officers on roads as part of service digitization.