Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged the judiciary to remove court orders that have stalled the use of speed cameras and instant digital fines on major highways, arguing that the measures are critical in addressing the rising number of fatal road crashes linked to speeding.
Speaking during an interdenominational requiem service held at ASK Kabiru-ini Grounds in Nyeri County for the 16 victims of the Nyeri–Nyahururu road accident, Kindiki said the government is committed to tightening road safety enforcement through technology and full implementation of the new traffic laws.
He noted that the State has already introduced a digital enforcement system designed to handle speeding offences without relying heavily on manual intervention by traffic officers. Under the system, drivers caught speeding would automatically receive fines through their mobile phones.
“If you are caught overspeeding, we will no longer have traffic police officers, as we have the instant fine management system, which will just send instant fines to your phone,” he said.
Deputy president Kithure Kindiki and other leaders during an interdenominational requiem service for the 16 victims of the Nyeri–Nyahururu road crash at ASK Kabiru-ini Grounds in Nyeri County on April 7,2026.PHOTO/DPCS
Kindiki added that failure to settle the penalties would attract strict consequences, including restriction of vehicle use and sanctions on the driver. He said repeat offenders risk harsher action, including loss of driving licences, with enforcement handled through electronic systems.
“If you don’t pay, your car will be detained… we will make sure that you cannot operate with that vehicle, and the driver will also be penalised. If you are a repeat offender, you can also lose your licence, and all that will be done electronically,” he added.
He stressed that speeding remains one of the leading causes of road accidents, noting that drivers lose control of vehicles when driving at high speeds.
“If you are not speeding, you are able to control the vehicle… but if you are on high speed, the chances of controlling that vehicle are minimal,” he said.
Kindiki highlighted that speed cameras have already been installed along major highways but their operation has been delayed by existing court orders. He appealed to the judiciary to consider lifting the restrictions to allow full rollout of the system in the interest of public safety.
He said, “We are requesting the judiciary to lift the orders… because we are losing so many people on the road.”
He described the continued loss of lives on Kenyan roads as distressing and called for urgent action to curb the trend, expressing hope that stronger enforcement would help prevent further tragedies.
The Deputy President’s remarks come at a time when the National Transport and Safety Authority has been preparing to implement the Instant Fines Management System, which is intended to automate traffic offence handling.
On March 27, 2026, the authority withdrew its planned rollout of the system, saying the decision was necessary to clarify procedures for managing minor traffic offences in line with existing laws.
The NTSA Director General explained that the pause would allow the authority to communicate clear guidelines to motorists and stakeholders.
“The withdrawal of the Go-Live notice allows us to communicate the standard procedures aligned with the provisions of existing laws on handling instant fines and minor traffic offenses,” the NTSA Director General said.
The authority added that the move was meant to ensure the public understands how offences are processed and how penalties are applied.
“The public must understand how minor offenses are managed and how penalties are applied.”
NTSA further stated that the system is designed to promote fairness and consistency in enforcement, with updated guidelines expected before full deployment.
“The system aims to ensure consistent, predictable, fair, and legally aligned administration of penalties,” the authority noted.