Kenya halts automated traffic fines system after public backlash, court order

Kenya has suspended its recently launched automated traffic fines system due to legal challenges and public confusion.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) launched this system to modernise traffic enforcement using cameras and computer programs. It automatically spots traffic violations, finds the vehicle owners, and sends fines directly to them via text message.

This reduces the need for police to stop vehicles and handle paperwork.

However, within days of going live, the system encountered legal issues. A High Court blocked its enforcement after petitioners argued that the process violated constitutional rights by denying motorists the opportunity to contest fines before penalties were issued.

The court decided to examine the issue more thoroughly and issued an order to halt enforcement pending the resolution of the case.

The NTSA has, therefore, retracted its first announcement about the rollout. This pause is to help the public better understand traffic laws and how minor violations are dealt with according to Kenyan law.

The agency did not say the court’s decision caused the suspension, but the timing indicates that both legal and public concerns likely contributed.

How the traffic fines system was designed to work

The instant fine system used a country-wide network of traffic cameras for real-time monitoring of traffic. When a violation like speeding or using a phone while driving was seen, the system would read the car’s license plate, find the owner, and text them a fine.

Drivers had a specific time frame to pay their traffic fines. If they missed this deadline, the penalties would increase. Additionally, if fines remained unpaid, drivers might not be able to use certain NTSA services, such as renewing their licenses or transferring vehicle ownership.

This system was applied to various traffic violations and affected both regular car owners and commercial vehicle operators.

Critics argued that a fully automated system, despite promising efficiency, transparency, and less human involvement, was problematic because it did not allow for context or human judgment. This raised worries about whether it was fair and who would be responsible for its actions.

Backstory: a fast-tracked rollout under pressure

The suspension represents a major setback for a program that was recently launched. In early March, President William Ruto publicly questioned the delays in starting the instant fines program. He encouraged transport authorities to quickly implement it as part of a larger plan to improve road safety and law enforcement.

Following this instruction, NTSA promptly implemented the system in major cities. This was presented as an important move to modernise traffic management and reduce corruption in law enforcement.

However, the introduction of this technology seemed to have happened faster than the laws and people’s understanding could keep up. This led to the negative reaction that occurred.

Similar read: Kenya launches platform that instantly fines and notifies traffic offenders

Now that the system is suspended, the focus turns to the courts. The case is scheduled for April, and the court’s decision will likely decide if Kenya can continue using automated traffic enforcement without police involvement, or if it will need to revise their strategy.

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