The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has proposed the adoption of instant traffic fines payable through mobile money, saying the system would make enforcement faster, unclog the courts, and cut down corruption on Kenyan roads.
The association describes the reform as practical, easy to implement, and capable of improving both efficiency and public trust in traffic enforcement.
In a letter dated February 24, 2026, KTA Chairman Newton Wang’oo addressed President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, NTSA Director General, and KEPSA CEO, urging immediate action to replace the court-centered approach.
“The current system, whereby most traffic offences are channelled through the courts, has over time proven to be inefficient, costly, and counter-productive. It consumes disproportionate judicial time, imposes avoidable financial and opportunity costs on road users, and creates unnecessary congestion within the criminal justice system for offences that are largely minor, administrative and non-criminal in nature,” Wang’oo said.
He pointed out that traffic cases represent a large portion of court work, causing delays and straining judicial resources.
“The introduction of instant fines payable electronically would free up magistrates and prosecutors to focus on serious criminal and civil matters, reduce adjournments, backlogs and extended case timelines, and lower administrative costs borne by the Judiciary, the Police Service, and the public,” he added.
KTA highlighted that the current procedure often pushes road users toward informal payments to avoid arrests, vehicle impoundment, repeated court appearances, and loss of productive time.
“Most road users opt instead to offer bribes in order to avoid the lengthy and punitive process. An instant, transparent, and digitally recorded payment system would significantly reduce discretionary interactions, thereby minimising opportunities for bribery, protecting police officers from undue temptation, and restoring public confidence in traffic enforcement,” the association said.
On revenue management, the KTA said digital fines would ensure all collections go directly to government accounts, limit leakages, and produce accurate, real-time records to aid planning and policy decisions.
“This ensures that fines serve their intended purpose, public revenue and deterrence, rather than being lost through informal channels,” the association said.
Wang’oo stressed that Kenya, depite being a leader in mobile money, lags behind other countries in the region that already operate efficient on-the-spot fine systems.
“There is no technical, financial, or operational barrier preventing Kenya from implementing a similar or superior system immediately,” KTA noted.
The association also pointed to road safety benefits, saying instant fines would encourage immediate compliance, correct dangerous driving behaviour, and reduce accidents.
“When enforcement is swift, predictable, and fair, compliance improves, ultimately contributing to safer roads and fewer accidents,” it said.
Wang’oo described mobile-money traffic fines as a simple reform with big advantages for digital governance, anti-corruption, business efficiency, and public service delivery. He urged President Ruto to direct NTSA, the National Police Service, and the Judiciary to implement the system without further delay, confirming KTA’s readiness to provide guidance and technical support.
