The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has withdrawn its earlier notice announcing the rollout of the instant fines system.
In a notice dated 27th March 2026, the authority stated that the decision was made to allow the public to better understand procedures for handling minor traffic offences under existing law.
“The National Transport and Safety Authority wishes to inform the public of the withdrawal of the public notice announcing the Go live of the instant fines issued on 9th March, 2026,” read part of the statement.
Need for Clarity on Traffic Offences
NTSA stated that the decision was made after realizing that many road users may not fully understand how minor traffic offences are handled under Section 117 of the Traffic Act.
Also Read: Traffic Offences That Will Attract Instant Fines of Ksh10,000 from NTSA
Section 117 of the Traffic Act outlines the legal provisions governing minor traffic offences and the procedures that law enforcement officers must follow.
These include how penalties are issued, processed, and enforced. NTSA indicated that without a clear understanding of these procedures, the rollout of instant fines could lead to misunderstandings between motorists and enforcement officers.
NTSA has also reaffirmed the public that it is planning to provide comprehensive guidance on how the instant fines align with existing laws.
“This withdrawal has been necessitated by realisation that the public need to understand the details and standard procedure of handling minor traffic offenses as defined in Section 117 of the Traffic Act,” read part of the notice.
The Authority will communicate the standard procedures aligned to the provisions of the existing laws on handling of instant fines and minor traffic offenses to avoid any misinformation and provide clarity on the same.
High Court Issues Conservatory Order Blocking NTSA Instant Traffic Fines
The latest notice follows an earlier High Court order blocking the implementation of the instant fines.
Also Read: NTSA to Deploy 1,000 Digital Cameras As Kenya Moves Closer to Instant Road Fines
In orders issued on March 12, 2026, Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order restraining the respondents and the interested party, jointly or individually, from issuing, generating, demanding, or enforcing instant or automated traffic penalties produced through algorithmic or other automated decision-making systems.
“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,” read part of the rulling.
He directed that KCB Bank Kenya be enjoined in the proceedings as an interested party under Rule 7(2) of the Constitution of Kenya.
Justice Mwamuye further barred the authorities from implementing or continuing to implement the disputed Instant Fines Traffic Management System until the matter is heard and determined.
