- NTSA withdraws Instant Fine Management System just two weeks after launch due to public backlash
- Director General Nashon Kondiwa mentioned the need for better public awareness on how to deal with minor traffic offenses before they are re-enforced
- Motorists expressed mixed feelings, questioning the legality of speed limits and criticizing the system as money-grubbing.
Nairobi: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suddenly withdrawn the Instant Fine Management System, just over two weeks after its launch.
Source: Facebook
Did NTSA remove the system of instant fines?
In a public announcement on March 27, 2026, NTSA confirmed the withdrawal of its March 9 notice announcing the effective date of the instant fines.
The decision, although unexpected, marked a major shift in the government’s mandate and efforts to digitize the enforcement of traffic fines.
According to Director General Nashon Kondiwa, there was a need for the public to properly understand the normal procedures for dealing with minor traffic offences.
“This removal has been necessary due to the realization that the public needs to understand the details and standard procedure for dealing with minor traffic offenses as stipulated in Article 117 of the Traffic Law,” he said.
Kondiwa indicated that the authority will provide more communication to the general public, explaining the usual procedures that are in line with existing laws.
At the same time, drivers will continue to operate under the previous protocols for the enforcement of traffic laws.
“The authority will present standard procedures consistent with the provisions of the existing laws regarding the handling of instant fines and minor traffic offenses to avoid any false information and provide clarification on it.”
How did drivers react to the removal of NTSA fines?
A section of Kenyan drivers welcomed the move, while opposing the transport authority to address some of the concerns they raised.
“The highway limit cannot be 80 and the freeway below it that has no lights or signs has a speed limit of 100. This should be common sense,” Momochi Marucho wrote on Twitter.
“Just adjust the speed limit fines and leave it at that. But the average of 80 on the Highways and Bypasses must have been reached by a drunk. How can I, maybe drive to Thika at 80 Max? Or to Homa Bay?” asked Charles Ketoto.
“The instant fines had nothing to do with road safety or enforcing discipline. They were designed to help the money-hungry administration raid the pockets of Kenyans with the little income they have after high taxes and fines take almost 50% of the income,” added Synergie.
Source: Facebook
Is there a petition challenging NTSA’s automatic fines?
A court in Nairobi on March 12, suspended the automatic system, pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging its validity.
Judge Luck The judge of the Mountain Law Courts issued a conservative order, which suspended the enforcement of traffic fines, following a petition by lobbyists under the umbrella body, Street Law.
Lawyers Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui told the court that the system, if implemented, would sentence the affected people without being heard.
They also claimed that the system operates without prior information or disclosure of reliable evidence and does not provide any mechanism for action.
The petition raised a fundamental question of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, citing criminal offenses under the Traffic Act.
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