By Mandere Onyinkwa
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced the rollout of a new digital enforcement framework for minor traffic offences.
The move is expected to reduce court appearances and modernize traffic law enforcement in Kenya.
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In a press statement issued on Thursday, NTSA said the new system will take effect from June 1, 2026 under Section 117 and 117A of the Traffic Act (Cap. 403).
The authority said the framework was developed after consultations with the National Police Service (NPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary and other enforcement agencies following the withdrawal of an earlier notice on the Minor Traffic Offences System.
According to NTSA, the new framework seeks to “enhance road safety for all users,” improve compliance with traffic laws, reduce congestion in traffic courts and promote “transparency, accountability, and efficiency in traffic enforcement.”
Under the new system, motorists who commit certain minor traffic offences will no longer be required to appear in court immediately.
Instead, offenders will receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence once sufficient evidence has been gathered.
NTSA said offences may be detected physically during routine enforcement by police officers or electronically through traffic cameras and other digital monitoring systems.
“Once sufficient evidence is gathered, the notification will be issued to the driver or the registered vehicle owner,” the statement said.
The authority added that notices may be served through personal delivery by police officers, affixing notices to vehicles or electronically via SMS, email and approved digital traffic enforcement platforms.
Motorists have been urged to ensure that their contact information in the NTSA registration system is accurate and up to date.
Each notification will contain details including the nature of the offence, the date, time and location where it occurred, the prescribed penalty, payment instructions and response deadlines.
NTSA said motorists will have two options upon receiving the notification: either admit liability and pay the prescribed fine within the stipulated period or dispute the allegation in court.
“If the motorist chooses to pay the fine, the matter can be settled without the need for a court appearance,” NTSA stated.
However, the authority warned that failure to respond, pay fines or appear in court when required could attract harsher penalties imposed by the courts.
Motorists will also have the right to access supporting evidence, including photographs or video recordings linked to alleged offences.
The authority further assured Kenyans that all personal data collected under the system will be handled in accordance with the Constitution and the Data Protection Act.
NTSA said a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide on the minor traffic offences framework is available on its website for public access.
