As the festive season gets underway, Kenyan motorists are facing immediate fines as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the National Police Service and Judiciary, deploys mobile courts along key highways to enforce traffic laws.
The operation targets the holiday rush, a period historically linked to a spike in road accidents as thousands travel upcountry for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Authorities are imposing on-the-spot penalties for a variety of traffic offences, emphasizing that the crackdown aims to curb reckless driving and improve overall road safety. The move coincides with the Cabinet’s approval on December 16 of the rollout of second-generation smart driving licences.
The upgraded system introduces instant fines, a mobile licence wallet, and a merit-and-demerit points framework, representing a major shift in how traffic violations are monitored and managed. NTSA highlighted that the initiative also focuses on public awareness, particularly regarding speeding and drink-driving.
“We are committed to enhancing road safety by intensifying checks against drink-driving during the festive season and throughout the year. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and compromises control of vehicles,” NTSA said.
Under the Traffic Act, minor offences are addressed under Section 117, with fines ranging from Sh500 to Sh10,000 depending on the severity of the violation. The statutory penalties, outlined in the First Schedule, replaced rules that had been in force since 1975.
Offences attracting the maximum Sh10,000 fine include driving without proper identification plates, operating a vehicle without a valid inspection certificate, exceeding speed limits by 16–20 kph, obstructing traffic, employing unlicensed PSV staff, and failing to fit prescribed speed governors in commercial vehicles.
Other penalties include Sh5,000 fines for driving on pavements or footpaths, refusing to stop for police, or operating a PSV without proper qualification.
Offences subject to a Sh3,000 fine include driving without a valid licence endorsement, disobeying lawful police directions, ignoring traffic signs, or engaging in “squad” practices in the matatu industry.
Lower-tier offences incur fines of Sh1,000, including boarding or alighting at undesignated points, travelling with part of the body outside a moving vehicle, or failure to wear protective gear for motorcyclists.
Using a mobile phone while driving, or failure by PSV staff to wear the required uniform and badge, attracts Sh2,000. Pedestrians also face fines of Sh500 for obstructing traffic or failing to wear seat belts while in a moving vehicle.
NTSA and traffic police continue to carry out inspections nationwide, urging compliance as holiday travel intensifies, warning that violations will result in swift penalties.
