The High Court has extended interim orders suspending the implementation of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) automated traffic fines system as legal challenges surrounding the programme continue.The system is part of a proposed public-private partnership between NTSA and a consortium led by Pesa Print Limited.
The partnership covers the development and maintenance of smart driving licences, an automated fines system and related services.The latest development follows an application by the Road Safety Association of Kenya (RSAK), through its chairman David Kiarie, seeking to have NTSA cited for contempt of court. RSAK alleges that the authority continued implementing the system despite an earlier court order suspending the partnership.
The earlier order was issued by the High Court in Kerugoya on May 29, 2026. According to the petitioners, the order was served on the parties, including NTSA, first electronically and later physically. They allege that the authority nevertheless proceeded with aspects of the system. These remain allegations before the court and have not been judicially established.NTSA has defended the use of automated technology in traffic enforcement, arguing that the system is intended to improve road safety, efficiency and transparency while reducing opportunities for corruption.
The case has also been consolidated with a separate petition by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK), bringing several challenges to the proposed smart driving licence and automated traffic enforcement programme before the court.Justice Mande has directed the respondents and interested parties to file their responses by August 15, 2026, as the legal process continues.
The court’s eventual determination will establish whether the disputed arrangements can proceed.For motorists, the case remains significant because it concerns how technology can be used in traffic enforcement while protecting due process and other legal rights. Until the court makes a final determination, claims made by either side should be treated as matters under consideration rather than established facts.
Photo show’s one of the NTSA’S car. Photo courtesy of Google
