The High Court has temporarily stopped the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) from enforcing the newly introduced instant traffic fines system.
In orders issued on Thursday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the High Court granted conservatory orders suspending the rollout of the system until a petition by Lawyer Shadrck Wambui challenging the directive is heard and determined.
The judge directed that NTSA and other parties involved should halt the issuance, generation, demand or enforcement of instant or automated traffic penalties.
The order further bars authorities from using algorithm-based or other automated systems to issue traffic fines under the contested Instant Fines Traffic Management System.
Justice Mwamuye also restrained the respondents, their agents, officers, or any individuals acting on their behalf—including those working within a multi-agency enforcement framework — from continuing to implement the system until the case is fully heard and determined.
The case challenges the legality of the instant fines system introduced by NTSA, which had triggered debate among motorists and transport stakeholders.
The court has set a strict timeline for the ensuing legal battle:
March 13, 2026: Deadline for the petitioners to serve the court order to all respondents.
March 20, 2026: Deadline for the Respondents (NTSA and State Law Office) to file their responses.
April 9, 2026: The matter will be mentioned again to confirm compliance and to set a date for an expedited hearing.
Justice Mwamuye emphasised that the court aims for a final determination of the matter within 90 days of the mention date.
NTSA authority announced on Monday that the fully automated system is now live and will issue traffic fines without human intervention.
“The system is designed to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in traffic enforcement,” NTSA stated.
Once a violation is detected, registered vehicle owners will receive an SMS detailing the offence, its location, the time, and the fine amount.
The move is part of NTSA’s wider Usalama Barabarani road safety initiative.
How the system works:
- Detection and Capture: Smart cameras installed along major roads, including the Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and the Southern Bypass, capture traffic violations in real-time. The network includes both fixed and mobile units that detect offences such as speeding, lane indiscipline, driving on pavements, illegal PSV boarding, mobile phone use while driving, and failing to wear seatbelts.
- Verification: The system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to cross-check vehicle plates with NTSA’s database and the owner’s e-driving licence to ensure accuracy.
- Notification: Once verified, motorists receive an instant SMS with full details of the violation and the amount payable.
- Payment: Fines must be settled within seven days via KCB Group branches, mobile money (M-Pesa), or USSD codes. Failure to pay within this period results in fines accruing interest, and the vehicle or driver is blocked from accessing NTSA services until the fine is cleared.
“Fine amounts will typically range from Sh500 to Sh10,000 depending on the offence committed,” NTSA said.
The authority said that unpaid fines will begin to accrue interest if they are not settled within seven days.
NTSA also warned that drivers with outstanding penalties will be blocked from accessing its digital platforms for services such as vehicle inspections, logbook applications, and ownership transfers.
In addition, the system will be linked to the Smart Driving Licence framework, where repeat offenders may face demerit point deductions, licence suspension or mandatory retraining.
NTSA says the automated system is part of a broader strategy to modernise traffic enforcement and improve road safety by reducing manual processes and human error.
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