High Court Suspends NTSA Automated Instant Traffic Fines

Motorists have received temporary relief after the High Court issued orders stopping the implementation of an automated traffic fines system introduced by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued conservatory orders barring NTSA and the Office of the Attorney General from issuing, generating, demanding or enforcing fines produced through algorithm-based or automated systems under the Instant Traffic Management System.

Court Petition

The orders followed a constitutional petition filed by lobby group Sheria Mtaani through lawyers Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui.

In court documents, the petitioners argue that the automated system imposes penalties without prior notice, warning or human review. They claim motorists are required to pay fines within seven days or risk being denied access to NTSA services, including vehicle-related transactions.

According to the petition, the system may infringe on constitutional rights related to fair administrative action and the right to a fair hearing. The filing also questions whether automated enforcement effectively replaces the traditional court process used to determine traffic offences.

The High Court directed that the conservatory orders remain in place pending further directions on the case.

A.I Generated

How the System Works

NTSA launched the Instant Fines Traffic Management System in March 2026 as part of efforts to modernize traffic enforcement in Kenya. The authority said the system uses smart road cameras and automated number plate recognition technology to detect traffic violations.

When an offence is detected, motorists receive an instant notification through SMS detailing the violation and the amount payable. Fines under the system typically range from about Sh500 to Sh10,000, depending on the offence.

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The authority had indicated that motorists would be required to settle the penalties within seven days through designated payment channels, including bank branches and mobile payment platforms. Failure to pay within the stipulated period would attract interest and block access to NTSA services until the fine is cleared.

NTSA had stated that the fully automated process was designed to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in traffic law enforcement while reducing manual processes.

Next Court Mention

The High Court scheduled the matter for mention on April 9 to issue directions on the hearing and determination of the petition challenging the system.

Until then, NTSA and the Attorney General’s office are barred from implementing or enforcing fines generated through the automated instant traffic management platform.