Kenyan police have called on the government to expand National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) speed cameras and reinstate instant fines nationwide. Chief Inspector Hellen Wamuyu stated these measures deter reckless driving and enhance road discipline. The endorsement follows recent fatal accidents and government efforts to overturn a court injunction on the fines system.
Chief Inspector Hellen Wamuyu of the National Police Service endorsed expanding speed cameras in a statement on Wednesday.
"The government should install even more cameras than we have and instant fines should be used as much as possible to instill discipline," Wamuyu said.
She noted that police cannot monitor every road due to limited personnel amid rising traffic volumes.
Drivers in camera-monitored areas drive more cautiously and warn each other about those sections. "We have speed cameras in some sections of the road, and people know. Where we have these cameras, drivers take care and they tell each other," Wamuyu observed.
Police officials argue that wider camera deployment and instant fines would cut accidents without over-relying on officers.
The call arises after reports of several fatal road crashes. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged the judiciary to lift an injunction on NTSA's instant fines system. He indicated that drivers failing to pay would face detention, with vehicles made inoperable.
NTSA paused the system for public education and awareness following driver concerns during its rollout.