The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out its Instant Fines Traffic Management System, describing it as a major step towards modernising traffic enforcement.
In a public notice, the Authority said: “The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) wishes to inform the public that the Instant Fines Traffic Management System is now live. The system will automatically issue traffic violation notifications via SMS to motorists where applicable.“
NTSA further stated: “This process is fully automated and operates without human intervention, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in traffic enforcement.“
If the new system delivers those promises, few Kenyans would object. Technology that reduces corruption, limits roadside cash transactions and creates an electronic record of traffic offences is a welcome step.
NTSA logo on a green background. Photo: NTSA Kenya Source: Facebook
Yet one part of NTSA’s notice immediately stands out.
“All fines issued through the system can be paid through the branch network of KCB Group within 7 days.“
That single sentence raises a legitimate public policy question.
Why only KCB?
Kenyans today enjoy multiple payment options for government services. They pay through M-Pesa, mobile banking, internet banking, debit cards, credit cards and other licensed financial institutions. Choice has become part of digital public service delivery.
So why should a motorist issued with an automated traffic fine be directed to only one banking network?
NTSA’s notice goes even further.
It says: “Failure to settle the fine due within the 7-day period will result in the amount due earning interest. In addition, the vehicle or the driver with a pending fine will not be able to transact on NTSA service platforms until the fine is settled.“
Those are significant consequences.
If penalties accumulate after seven days and motorists risk being locked out of NTSA services, then the payment process should arguably be as accessible as possible. Restricting payments to one bank naturally invites public scrutiny.
The issue is not whether KCB Group is capable of collecting government payments. It undoubtedly is.
The question is why motorists are not given alternatives.
Why not allow payment through M-Pesa? Why not every commercial bank? Why not government digital payment platforms? Why not licensed fintech providers?
NTSA’s public notice does not explain why KCB Group is the exclusive payment channel, whether the arrangement followed a competitive procurement process, or whether more payment options will become available.
A building entrance with a KCB Group signage. Photo: The Star Source: Facebook
Those are reasonable questions for a public institution handling millions of motorists.
Transparency is not only about how fines are issued. It is also about how they are collected.
If the Instant Fines Traffic Management System, under the leadership of NTSA Director General Eng. Nashon Kondiwa, is designed to improve public confidence, the Authority should consider explaining the rationale behind the KCB-only payment model. Giving Kenyans more payment options would not weaken the system. It would strengthen public trust in it.
Are Kenyans right to question the NTSA-KCB payment model?
Probably yes.
Not because there is evidence that anything improper has taken place, but because public institutions have a duty to explain decisions that affect millions of citizens.
The NTSA’s Instant Fines Traffic Management System is, on paper, a sensible reform. Automated traffic enforcement can reduce opportunities for bribery, improve compliance with traffic laws and remove the discretion that has often fuelled complaints about roadside enforcement.
Those are worthwhile objectives.
Good policy, however, should always invite good questions.
Kenyans have become increasingly cautious whenever new nationwide payment systems are introduced. The transition from NHIF to SHA is one example.
While SHA seeks to expand healthcare coverage, its rollout has also attracted public criticism over system outages, delays in pre-authorisation and implementation challenges. Those experiences have made many citizens more inclined to ask for greater transparency whenever a new government payment framework is introduced.
That context explains why some motorists are asking questions about the NTSA-KCB payment arrangement.