By Phillip Orwa
The High Court has suspended the enforcement of automated traffic penalties issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) following a petition filed by lawyer Shadrack Wambui.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye in a ruling said “THIS MATTER coming up on 12/03/2026 in Chambers for directions on the Petitioner/Applicant’s Notice of Motion Application dated 03/03/2026 [10/03/2026] filed on 10/03/2026 before the Honourable Mr. Justice Bahati Mwamuye MBS, and upon a preliminary consideration of the same together with the Petition dated 10/03/2026 IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED THAT: 1. Pursuant to Rule 7(2) of the Constitution of Kenya (Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) Practice and Procedure Rules 2013, the Court on its own motion KCB Bank Kenya as the Interested Party in these proceedings with immediate effect. 2. Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the Petitioner/Applicant’s Notice of Motion Application dated 03/03/2026 [ 10/03/2026], a conservatory order be and is hereby issued restraining the Respondents and the Interested Party, both jointly and severally, and whether by themselves, their officers, agents, related entities, or any person acting under their authority or together with them in a multi-agency framework, from issuing, generating, demanding or enforcing instant or automated traffic penalties produced through algorithmic or other automated decision-making systems and/or implementing or further implementing the impugned Instant Fines Traffic Management System.
- The Petitioner shall serve the Respondents and the Interested Party with the Application, Petition, and this Court Order in both hardcopy and softcopy immediately and file an Affidavit of Service in that regard by close of business 13/03/2026.”
The court issued the temporary orders pending the hearing and determination of the case, effectively halting the implementation of the automated traffic penalty system for now. The matter has been scheduled for mention on April 9, when further directions are expected.
The automated system had been introduced to enhance traffic law enforcement through digital monitoring and automatic penalties for violations.
Advisory
Motorists are reminded that despite the suspension of automated penalties, all traffic laws remain in force. Drivers should continue to observe speed limits, road signs, and safe driving practices to ensure safety on the roads.
Recently, President William Ruto asked The Cabinet Secretary in charge of Transport Davis Chiechir to ensure instant fines system is implemented, the ministry through the National Transport and Safety Authority has (NTSA) has started implementing the policy.
President Ruto last Thursday in a meeting with Cabinet at Statehouse asked Chirchir why the government had invested heavily in buying the technique that was not being used.
“Bwana Chirchir and the Ministry of Transport and other State agents charged with implementing this system, why can’t we start using the instant fines system? We invested heavily on this system, and it’s high time we started using it,” said President Ruto last week.
On Monday Motorists, woke up to a rude Shock as through its Social handles, the NTSA made a public announcement that they will now receive traffic violation alerts instantly on their SMS after after they (NTSA) activated a new automated fines management system designed to improve road discipline and transparency.
The authority announced that the Instant Fines Traffic Management System is now live and will automatically issue traffic violation notifications via SMS to motorists where applicable.
“The system is fully automated and does not require human intervention, a move expected to enhance fairness in traffic enforcement.
The Instant Fines Traffic Management System is now live. The system will automatically issue traffic violation notifications via SMS to motorists where applicable,” NTSA said in the communique
The communication added, “the digital system is intended to promote transparency, efficiency and accountability in road safety enforcement.
Motorists who receive violation notices will be required to settle the fines within seven days.
Payments will be processed through the branch network of KCB Group.”
NTSA warned that failure to pay within the stipulated period will attract additional costs.
“Failure to settle the fine due within the seven-day period will result in the amount due earning interest,” the authority said.
The agency further cautioned that vehicles or drivers with pending penalties will not be able to access services on NTSA platforms until the fines are cleared.
“In addition, the vehicle or the driver with pending fine will not be able to transact on NTSA service platforms until the fine is settled,” the statement added.
The move forms part of the government’s broader push to digitize public services and improve road safety.
Many Kenyans welcomed the move, indicating that it was a welcome move and would restore order if adhered to the letter
