The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has made a sudden decision to suspend the recently introduced instant fines system, bringing its implementation to an immediate halt.
The move comes just weeks after the system was officially launched on March 9, mainly targeting major highways, particularly within Nairobi.
The instant fines system was introduced as part of efforts to deal quickly with minor traffic offences and improve compliance on the roads.
However, since its rollout, it has faced growing criticism from motorists, legal experts, and members of the public.
Several lawsuits were also filed, with critics questioning both the legality of the system and how it was being enforced.
In a public notice released on Friday, NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa explained that the authority decided to reverse the earlier directive after realizing that many Kenyans were not fully informed about how the system works.
He noted that the suspension will give NTSA enough time to educate the public and create better awareness about the correct procedures for handling minor traffic offences.
According to the statement, NTSA has officially withdrawn its earlier announcement that had declared the system operational.
The authority admitted that there is a need for clearer communication so that motorists understand their rights and responsibilities when dealing with such offences.
The notice further highlighted that the decision was guided by the provisions of Section 117 of the Traffic Act, which outlines how minor traffic violations should be handled.
NTSA acknowledged that without proper understanding of these procedures, the system could lead to confusion, disputes, and possible misuse.
Going forward, the authority plans to focus on civic education campaigns to ensure that all road users are well-informed before the system can be reintroduced. NTSA emphasized that public understanding and transparency are key to making such initiatives successful and acceptable to Kenyans.
This sudden U-turn reflects the challenges authorities often face when introducing new systems without adequate public engagement, especially on issues that directly affect daily life such as transport and road safety.
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