The implementation of the minor traffic enforcement framework by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on June 1, 2026, has sparked mixed reactions among motorists.
While some drivers have expressed concerns about the new penalties and enforcement mechanism, others have welcomed the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening traffic law enforcement and promoting road safety.
The framework, developed jointly with the National Police Service, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary and other agencies, allows motorists to receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence and, in some cases, settle penalties without appearing in court.
According to NTSA, the system is anchored under Sections 117 and 117A of the Traffic Act (Cap. 403) and targets enhanced compliance, transparency and efficiency in enforcement.
Public Service Vehicle operators face a wide range of penalties targeting passenger safety and discipline within the sector.
These include failure by a PSV driver or conductor to wear a special badge and uniform, which attracts a fine of Ksh.2,000, and failure of a PSV to carry functional fire extinguishers and fire kits, fined at Ksh.2,000.
Drivers who pick or drop passengers at unauthorized bus stops or terminals will be fined Ksh.3,000, while passengers boarding or alighting at non-designated points will pay Ksh.1,000.
Other PSV-related offences include touting at Ksh.3,000, employing an unlicensed driver or conductor at Ksh.10,000, and allowing an unauthorized person to drive a PSV at Ksh.3,000.
Driving a PSV while unqualified attracts a Ksh.5,000 penalty, while operating with tinted windows or windscreen is fined Ksh.3,000. Failure to fit a speed governor in PSVs and commercial vehicles attracts a Ksh.10,000 fine.
Operators who fail to refund fare for an incomplete journey will pay Ksh.3,000, while failure to keep seat belts in proper condition by a conductor attracts a Ksh.500 penalty.
General vehicle offences
For private and commercial motorists, NTSA has outlined several offences linked to vehicle documentation, safety, and driver conduct.
Driving without identification plates or with improperly affixed plates attracts a Ksh.10,000 fine, while operating without a valid inspection certificate also attracts Ksh.10,000.
Failure to renew a driving licence attracts Ksh.1,000, while failing to carry and produce a driving licence on demand attracts the same penalty. Driving without the appropriate licence endorsement attracts Ksh.3,000.
Learner drivers failing to display “L” plates on both front and rear of the vehicle will be fined Ksh.1,000.
Seatbelt violations will attract Ksh.500 for failure to wear one while the vehicle is in motion, while owners who fail to install seatbelts properly will be fined Ksh.1,000 per seat.
Motorcycle riders and passengers riding without protective gear will each be fined Ksh.1,000.
Speeding offences will now attract graduated penalties depending on severity. Exceeding speed limits by 1–5 kph will result in a warning, 6–10 kph attracts Ksh.500, 11–15 kph attracts Ksh.3,000, and 16–20 kph attracts Ksh.10,000.
Other offences include driving on pavements or pedestrian walkways at Ksh.5,000, failing to obey police instructions at Ksh.3,000, and failing to stop when directed by a police officer at Ksh.5,000.
Driving while using a mobile phone attracts a Ksh.2,000 fine, while obstruction of traffic by improper vehicle positioning attracts Ksh.10,000.
Pedestrians who willfully obstruct traffic will be fined Ksh.500, while travelling with any part of the body outside a moving vehicle attracts a Ksh.1,000 penalty.
Failure to display reflective triangles or warning signs when a vehicle is obstructing traffic attracts a Ksh.3,000 fine.
New enforcement framework
NTSA said the updated system will be implemented through police-issued notifications or digital alerts sent via SMS, email or approved platforms, once sufficient evidence is gathered through officers or electronic monitoring systems.
Motorists will be required to either admit liability and pay the fine within the stipulated period or dispute the offence in court.
The Authority said failure to respond or pay fines may lead to harsher penalties, including court-imposed sanctions and demerit points where applicable.
NTSA added that motorists will have access to evidence supporting each offence, including photographs and video recordings, as part of the transparency measures embedded in the new system.
The Authority said the reforms are intended to enhance discipline on roads, reduce accidents and improve efficiency in traffic enforcement and adjudication processes.
