The Government of Kenya, through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the National Police Service, the Judiciary, and other partner agencies, has introduced a modern system for managing minor traffic offences aimed at improving road safety and streamlining enforcement.
The new framework is designed to reduce delays in traffic courts, enhance accountability among motorists, and make traffic law enforcement faster, more efficient, and transparent.
How traffic offences will be detected
Under the updated system, minor traffic offences will now be identified in two main ways. First, through physical inspections conducted by traffic police officers during routine roadside checks. Second, through automated digital enforcement tools such as speed cameras, CCTV surveillance systems, and other electronic traffic monitoring technologies.
Once an offence is detected and supported by sufficient evidence, a motorist or registered vehicle owner may receive a Police Notification of Traffic Offence instead of being immediately arrested or taken to court.
How motorists will be notified
According to NTSA, traffic offence notifications may be issued through several channels, including direct issuance by a police officer, placement of a notice on the vehicle, SMS alerts, email notifications, or through authorised digital traffic enforcement systems.
Motorists have been urged to regularly update their contact details and vehicle registration information with NTSA to ensure they receive timely and official communication.
“Motorists are encouraged to regularly update their phone numbers, email addresses, and vehicle registration details with NTSA to ensure they receive official communication,” NTSA said.
Each traffic offence notification will clearly outline key details, including the nature of the alleged offence, the time and location it occurred, and the penalty amount payable.
It will also indicate any demerit points that may be recorded against the driver’s licence, the required action—whether payment of a fine or appearance in court—and the deadline for compliance or response.
Options available to motorists
Once issued with a notice, a motorist has two options. They may choose to accept responsibility and pay the prescribed fine within the stipulated timeframe, or they may contest the allegation.
NTSA notes that any person who believes they were wrongly issued with a traffic offence notice has the constitutional right to challenge the matter in a court of law.
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