The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) operates a demerit points system to track drivers' infractions in Kenya. Drivers begin with 20 clean points, deducted based on offence severity. The system's main goal is to promote safe and responsible driving.
The NTSA demerit points system allows licensed drivers in Kenya to monitor their road infractions through the authority's portal. Each driver starts with a maximum of 20 clean points, which serve as a measure of responsible driving rather than rewards. The primary aim is to foster safe behavior by providing a transparent tracking mechanism for drivers' conduct.
Points are deducted when a traffic violation is officially recorded, varying by offence severity. Minor infractions, such as not wearing a seatbelt or slight speeding, typically deduct 2 to 4 points. Moderate violations, like dangerous overtaking or ignoring traffic signals, result in larger deductions. Serious offences, including drunk driving or reckless driving causing injury or death, can deduct up to 20 points from a single incident.
If a driver loses 10 or more points within a year, NTSA may require a mandatory refresher driving course to address unsafe habits. Depleting all 20 points in a year leads to license suspension, barring the driver from operating any vehicle until compliance is achieved.
Points are partially restored annually for drivers maintaining clean records during review periods. Successful completion of NTSA-recommended training, such as defensive driving courses, can also reinstate some points. A recent instance occurred on December 9, 2025, when NTSA announced the suspension of licences for 62 drivers from six different SACCOs. These drivers must now undergo re-testing to verify their competence on Kenyan roads.