Kenyan motorists accused of minor traffic offences will soon be able to settle fines without stepping into a courtroom, under a new system unveiled by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The changes, set to take effect on June 1, mark a significant shift in how traffic violations are handled in the country. Drivers issued with notices for selected minor offences will now have the option of paying prescribed fines directly or contesting the charges in court.
In a statement released on Thursday, NTSA said motorists would first receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence before deciding how to proceed.
“Motorists who commit certain minor traffic offences will no longer need to appear in court immediately,” the authority said. “Instead, they may receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence.”
Under the framework, drivers who admit responsibility can pay the fine within a specified period, effectively settling the matter without attending court. Those who disagree with the allegations will still retain the right to challenge the charges before a magistrate.
Motorists Facing Minor Traffic Offences will be Allowed to Settle Fines Without Court Appearances
“Upon receiving a notice, motorists have two options,” NTSA explained. “They may admit liability and pay the prescribed fine within the stipulated period, or they may dispute the allegation in court.”
The rollout comes two months after the authority suspended an earlier attempt to introduce an instant fines system. That initiative, launched in March, faced criticism from sections of the public and legal challenges from activists and lobby groups who questioned its legality and fairness.
NTSA Director General George Njao said the revised approach followed consultations with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Police Service. Officials say the aim is to reduce congestion in traffic courts while giving motorists a quicker way to resolve minor infractions.
The move is expected to affect thousands of drivers across the country, especially in urban centres where traffic enforcement operations are frequent.
Even so, questions remain about implementation, oversight and whether motorists will fully understand their rights under the new process. Road safety campaigners have previously argued that any fines system must balance efficiency with transparency and accountability.
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