The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has officially announced the rollout of a new technology-driven enforcement framework for handling minor traffic offences in Kenya, in a move aimed at modernizing traffic law enforcement, reducing court congestion, and improving road safety across the country.
The new framework, which will take effect from June 1, 2026, is being implemented in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary, and other enforcement agencies.
According to NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa, the reforms are intended to create a faster, more transparent, and more accountable system for enforcing traffic regulations while protecting the rights of motorists.
“The Government of Kenya, through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the National Police Service, the Judiciary, and other agencies, has introduced a modern system for handling minor traffic offences,” said Kondiwa.
He added that, “The aim is to improve road safety, reduce delays in traffic courts, increase accountability, and make traffic law enforcement faster and more transparent.”
NTSA confirmed that the Government will operationalize the new enforcement framework under Sections 117 and 117A of the Traffic Act (Cap. 403), following a review of earlier implementation plans.
The authority said the framework was developed after consultations and internal reviews conducted jointly with enforcement and justice sector agencies.
“Following the withdrawal of the earlier notice on the rollout of the Minor Traffic Offences System, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary, and other relevant enforcement agencies, has reviewed the minor traffic offences and developed internal procedures to guide the implementation framework,” Kondiwa said.
NTSA further announced that the Government “will operationalize a modernized enforcement framework for minor traffic offences under Sections 117 and 117A of the Traffic Act (Cap. 403), effective 1st June,2026.”
According to the authority, the reforms are intended to achieve several objectives, including improving road safety, increasing compliance with traffic laws, reducing congestion in traffic courts, and promoting transparency and efficiency in enforcement operations.
The framework introduces a major shift towards technology-based traffic enforcement, with NTSA expected to rely more heavily on automated surveillance systems alongside physical police inspections.
The authority says offences will now be detected through routine police operations as well as electronic monitoring systems such as speed cameras, CCTV surveillance, and other digital traffic enforcement technologies.
“Minor traffic offences can now be detected in two main ways, By police officers during normal road inspections and traffic checks,” Kondiwa stated.
He further explained that offences may also be identified “Through automated systems such as speed cameras, CCTV cameras, and digital traffic monitoring devices.”
The NTSA press statement similarly noted that offences “can be detected either by police officers during routine enforcement or electronically via traffic cameras and other digital monitoring systems.”
Road safety experts say the increased use of digital systems is expected to improve accuracy in traffic enforcement, reduce opportunities for corruption, and strengthen evidence collection for traffic offences.
One of the biggest changes under the new framework is that motorists accused of committing minor traffic offences may no longer be required to appear in court immediately.
Instead, they may receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence after sufficient evidence has been collected.
“Under the new framework, motorists who commit certain minor traffic offences will no longer need to appear in court immediately. Instead, they may receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence,” Kondiwa explained.
Kondiwa also stated that, “When an offence is detected and there is enough evidence, the motorist or registered vehicle owner may receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence instead of being arrested or immediately taken to court.”
According to NTSA, the notification may be issued directly to the driver or to the registered owner of the vehicle.
The authority said the notices may be served through several methods, including direct delivery by police officers, notices affixed to vehicles, SMS communication, email notifications, and approved digital enforcement platforms.
“These notifications may be served in several ways, including personal delivery by police officers, affixing the notice to the vehicle, or electronically via SMS, email, or approved digital traffic enforcement platforms,” Kondiwa said.
NTSA has advised motorists to ensure their personal information and vehicle registration records are updated in the authority’s system to avoid missing official notifications.
“Motorists are encouraged to regularly update their phone numbers, email addresses, and vehicle registration details with NTSA to ensure they receive official communication,” Kondiwa said.
He added that, “Keeping your details up to date helps you receive official traffic notifications on time.”
The authority further warned that inaccurate or outdated records may result in delayed communication regarding offences, fines, penalties, or court requirements.
According to NTSA, every notification issued under the system will contain comprehensive details regarding the alleged offence and the legal obligations of the motorist.
The notices are expected to include the nature of the offence, the date, time and location where it occurred, applicable penalties, payment instructions, response timelines, and information on demerit points where necessary.
“Each notification will contain key details such as the nature of the offence, the date, time and location it occurred, the prescribed penalty, payment instructions, and response deadlines,” Kondiwa said.
Kondiwa also cautioned motorists against ignoring official notices.
“Please read your notification carefully and act within the stated period to avoid additional penalties or legal action,” he warned.
Under the new system, motorists will have two legal options upon receiving a traffic offence notification.
They may either admit liability and pay the prescribed fine within the stipulated period or challenge the allegation before a court of law.
“A motorist may accept responsibility and pay the prescribed penalty within the stated period,” Kondiwa explained.
The NTSA statement further noted that motorists “may admit liability and pay the prescribed fine within the stipulated period, or they may dispute the allegation in court.”
According to the authority, motorists who choose to pay the prescribed fines may settle the matter without appearing before a magistrate.
“If the motorist chooses to pay the fine, the matter can be settled without the need for a court appearance,”Kondiwa explained.
However, NTSA emphasized that motorists who believe the offence was wrongly issued retain the constitutional right to seek judicial intervention.
“Any person who believes the offence was wrongly issued has the constitutional right to challenge it in court,” Kondiwa said.
The authority added that courts will still retain the power to reduce or refund penalties based on mitigating circumstances and may administer demerit points where applicable.
NTSA warned that motorists who fail to respond to notifications, pay prescribed fines, or appear in court when required may face harsher legal consequences.
“Failure to respond, pay fines, or appear in court when required may result in harsher penalties imposed by the COURTS,” the statement warned.
The authority also assured motorists that individuals accused of offences will have access to supporting evidence related to their cases.
“Motorists have the RIGHT to access evidence, such as photographs or video recordings, supporting the alleged offence,” Kondiwa added.
As the new system becomes operational, NTSA has also sought to reassure the public regarding the handling of personal data collected through digital traffic enforcement systems.
“Finally, NTSA assures the public that all personal data collected will be handled in accordance with the Constitution and the Data Protection Act,” Nashon Kondiwa said.
The authority further cautioned motorists against fraudsters issuing fake traffic notices or using unofficial payment channels.
“Official channels ensure you receive accurate information and protect you from fraud,” Kondiwa said.
NTSA said a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide on the implementation of the new framework is available on its official website to help motorists understand the system and their legal rights and obligations.
The authority reiterated that the reforms are intended to strengthen road safety, improve compliance with traffic laws, and create a more efficient and transparent enforcement environment for all road users in Kenya.
