The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has explained why motorists cannot currently pay instant traffic fines via M-PESA.
Speaking on March 12 in an interview with NTV, NTSA Director General, Nashon Odhiambo Kondiwa, clarified that the decision is part of a phased rollout to ensure motorists understand the instant fines payment system and to prevent fraud.
“The number of people who will be fined is not that high. And therefore, the other thing is that we have not communicated the mechanics of this, because people have not learned much about the whole product or how it works. Yes. That really makes it possible for them to understand when they’re being defrauded,” Kondiwa explained.
He confirmed that all payments are limited to Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) branches and agents, which are widely accessible across the country.
Why Motorists Cannot Pay Instant Fines Using M-PESA
In his explanation, the director general said the main reason for choosing KCB as a payment mode is to help curb fraud before alternative measures are put in place.
“Because if you are keen in December, there are so many SMSs that are talking about traffic fines and nothing. Okay. Now, you want to make this process foolproof from these fraudsters until people get acquainted with that product. This is the reason why we chose the KCB branches and KCB agents as the first point of payment,” he stated.
He further stated that before rolling out M-PESA to the masses, the authority is considering a threshold of around 100 cameras and deeper communication.
“Once the people have that deeper communication, we roll out M-PESA. This country is a country of M-PESA.”
Also Read: Process of Paying Instant Fines After Being Flagged by NTSA
KCB Instant Fines Payments and Frauds
According to Kondiwa, to pay an instant fine, motorists must currently visit KCB agents, which are widely available across the country.
Motorists have seven days to settle the fines. In the interview, Kondiwa confirmed that it is possible to send someone else to make the payment on their behalf.
He explained that the rollout is a strategic approach, not a permanent restriction to KCB, and the measure is designed to prevent fraud while motorists become familiar with the payment system.
Kondiwa warned that any messages or links requesting payment via M-PESA at this stage are fraudulent and should be ignored, emphasising that these attempts are scams targeting unsuspecting motorists.
“No payment via M-PESA for now. If you receive any message that tells you to pay via this number, please avoid it,” he stressed.
Also Read: NTSA Activates Instant Fines System, Announces Penalties for Motorists
Where NTSA Instant Fines Money Goes
In his submissions, the director general said the money collected from NTSA instant fines is deposited into an escrow account co-owned and co-managed by the government through the National Transport and Safety Authority and the Kenya Commercial Bank.
“The money is going into an escrow account that is co-owned or co-managed between the government through NTSA and Kenya Commercial Bank,” he said.
A third partner, a technology provider, also participates in managing the account to ensure secure processing and transparency of the funds.
