The High Court has extended interim orders suspending the implementation of Kenya’s proposed automated traffic fines system, keeping the controversial technology rollout on hold as legal challenges against the arrangement continue.
The system is linked to a multi-billion-shilling public-private partnership between the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and a consortium led by Pesa Print Limited.
The court’s decision means NTSA cannot proceed with implementation of the contested system while consolidated petitions challenging the legality of the partnership are being considered.
Court Suspends NTSA-Pesa Print Partnership
The dispute dates back to an order issued by the High Court in Kerugoya on May 29, 2026, when Justice Magare Dennis Kizito temporarily suspended implementation of the partnership between NTSA and the Pesa Print-led consortium.
The order covered the design, supply, delivery, installation and maintenance of smart driving licences, an automated fines system and related services.
Justice Kizito issued a conservatory order stopping the implementation of the public-private partnership pending further proceedings.
The suspension subsequently triggered a legal battle involving road safety and consumer rights organisations seeking to challenge the arrangement.
Road Safety Association Files Contempt Case
The Road Safety Association of Kenya (RSAK) later filed contempt proceedings, alleging that the earlier court orders had not been complied with.
Through its chairman, David Kiarie, RSAK argued that the directives issued by the court on May 29 had not been followed.
The contempt application asks the court to find the relevant respondent in contempt for allegedly proceeding with activities connected to the suspended partnership.
The application states that the earlier order specifically halted implementation of the NTSA and Pesa Print consortium agreement relating to smart driving licences, automated fines and associated services.
The contempt proceedings have now been incorporated into the broader consolidated case challenging the proposed system.
COFEK Joins Legal Challenge
The case has also been consolidated with a separate petition filed by the Federation of Kenya Consumers (COFEK).
The consolidated proceedings bring together challenges by both COFEK and RSAK against NTSA and other government agencies over the proposed introduction of smart driving licences and the automated traffic fines system.
The case will now be heard at the Milimani Law Courts.
The respondents include the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, the Public Private Partnership Committee, the Directorate of Public Private Partnerships and the Attorney General.
Pesa Print Limited and KCB Kenya have been listed as interested parties.
NTSA Defends Automated Fines Technology
NTSA has defended the proposed system, arguing that the technology is intended to improve road safety and reduce corruption associated with traffic enforcement.
The authority has maintained that automation could make traffic enforcement more efficient while reducing opportunities for motorists and enforcement officers to engage in corrupt practices.
However, opponents of the arrangement have raised legal and procedural questions about the partnership and the proposed rollout.
The court will now determine the various challenges before the system can proceed.
Court Sets August 15 Deadline
Justice Mande has directed the respondents and interested parties to file their responses to the contempt application by August 15, 2026.
The preliminary objection filed in the case will also be heard alongside the application as part of the consolidated proceedings.
The extension of the interim orders effectively keeps the proposed automated traffic fines system frozen pending further court proceedings.
Ruling Expected in November
The legal dispute is expected to continue for several months, with the court scheduled to deliver a ruling on November 26, 2026.
Until then, the implementation of the contested NTSA-Pesa Print arrangement remains suspended under the interim orders.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications for Kenya’s plans to digitise traffic enforcement, introduce smart driving licences and automate the collection of traffic fines.
For motorists, the court proceedings will determine whether the proposed automated system can eventually be rolled out or whether the NTSA-Pesa Print partnership will face further legal hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the automated traffic fines system been suspended?
The High Court has suspended implementation while it considers legal challenges against the NTSA-Pesa Print public-private partnership.
Who is behind the proposed automated traffic fines system?
The system is linked to a public-private partnership between NTSA and a consortium led by Pesa Print Limited.
Who challenged the NTSA-Pesa Print partnership?
The Road Safety Association of Kenya and the Federation of Kenya Consumers are among the parties challenging the arrangement.
When was the initial suspension issued?
Justice Magare Dennis Kizito issued the initial conservatory order on May 29, 2026.
When is the next major ruling expected?
The court has scheduled a ruling for November 26, 2026.