Kenya to Introduce Instant Fines and Surveillance Cameras to Enforce Traffic Rules

The government of Kenya is set to roll out instant fines for traffic violations using intelligent surveillance systems, as part of a new effort to tackle rising road crash fatalities.

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 3,397 people have died in road accidents between January and September 2025, an average of 12 deaths per day. This represents a slight increase from the same period last year, with pedestrians and motorcyclists making up the majority of victims. In total, 17,270 people have been affected by road crashes so far this year.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced at the National Road Safety Conference in Mombasa that the implementation of instant fines is in its final stages. The system, based on the Road Traffic Offences Act of 2016, will rely on surveillance cameras installed at key junctions to detect traffic offences and issue fines without requiring court appearances. 

“We do not want to overload our courts with petty offences,” said Mr Chirchir. “We understand that when there is instant discipline, people tend not to misbehave on the road.”

The planned Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) will transmit video footage from major intersections to a central control centre, allowing traffic authorities to identify offenders and issue electronic penalties. Motorists will be able to pay fines through mobile platforms. Officials say the system will help reduce corruption and improve the efficiency of traffic enforcement. 

The Ministry of Transport and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) have emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation and sustained investment to support the system’s maintenance and operations. In addition to enforcement measures, the government is investing in road infrastructure to improve safety at high-risk locations. 

Ongoing projects include the Rironi–Mau Summit highway expansion, the dualling of the Kwa Jomvu–Mariakani road, and upgrades along the Nyali–Mtwapa–Kilifi corridor. In Nairobi, Kura is building 13 pedestrian footbridges along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route on Outer Ring Road to reduce pedestrian casualties.

The NTSA has also introduced new laws aimed at reducing drink-driving, which has been identified as a major factor in evening road crashes. The Traffic (Drink Driving) Regulations, 2025, are part of the broader National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028, which focuses on reckless driving, improved data systems, and public education. NTSA figures show that nearly one-third of fatal crashes occur between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm, a time associated with low visibility and increased alcohol use.