The government will, from June 1, 2026, begin enforcing a modernised traffic management system that will allow motorists accused of minor traffic offences to settle penalties without immediately appearing in court.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, May 28, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) confirmed that the new enforcement framework will operate under Sections 117 and 117A of the Traffic Act (Cap. 403), following consultations with the National Police Service (NPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary, and other agencies.
“The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) wishes to notify members of the public that the Government will operationalize a modernized enforcement framework for minor traffic offences under Sections 117 and 117A of the Traffic Act (Cap. 403), effective 1st June, 2026,” NTSA said.
The system, part of broader reforms to digitise road enforcement, introduces a “Police Notification of Traffic Offence” mechanism, through which offenders will receive official notices either in person or via digital platforms such as SMS and email.
According to NTSA, the initiative seeks to enhance road safety, improve compliance with traffic laws, ease congestion in traffic courts, and promote transparency and efficiency in enforcement.
Digital enforcement and camera surveillance
Under the new framework, traffic offences will be detected either by police officers during routine patrols or through electronic systems, including traffic cameras and other digital monitoring tools.
Once an offence is verified, a formal notification will be issued to either the driver or the registered owner of the vehicle. The notice will contain details such as the nature of the offence, time and location, applicable penalty, payment instructions, and response deadlines.
Motorists are being urged to ensure their contact details in the NTSA database are up to date to avoid missing critical notifications.
Payment or court option
The system gives motorists two options upon receiving a notice: they can either admit liability and pay the prescribed fine within the stipulated period, or challenge the allegation in court.
If the fine is paid, the matter is settled without the need for a court appearance. However, courts will retain the authority to review cases where motorists choose to contest the charges, including reducing penalties or ordering refunds where applicable.
In addition, courts may impose demerit points on driving licences where necessary, as part of broader road safety enforcement measures.
Failure to respond to a notice, pay the required fines, or appear in court when summoned will attract harsher penalties.
“Failure to respond, pay fines, or appear in court when required may result in harsher penalties imposed by the COURTS. Motorists have the RIGHT to access evidence, such as photographs or video recordings, supporting the alleged offence,” the statement reads.
Safeguards and accountability
NTSA has assured the public that motorists will retain the right to access evidence supporting any alleged offence, including photographs or video recordings captured through enforcement systems.
The authority also emphasised that all personal data collected under the system will be handled in accordance with the Constitution and the Data Protection Act.
“This framework is designed to promote accountability while ensuring fairness in enforcement. Motorists will have access to evidence and clear procedures for response,” NTSA noted.
Stakeholder collaboration
The authority said the framework was developed after a review of minor traffic offences and internal procedures in collaboration with key justice sector institutions, including the police, prosecution services, and the Judiciary.
A detailed frequently asked questions (FAQ) guide has been published on the NTSA website to assist motorists in understanding the new system.
The rollout marks one of the most significant shifts in Kenya’s traffic enforcement history, moving the country closer to a fully digitised, camera-assisted road policing system aimed at reducing corruption, improving compliance, and streamlining justice processes.