Motorists across the country have been urged to stop paying instant fines imposed by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) as a fresh legal battle over the use of speed cameras gathers momentum.

The Road Safety Association of Kenya (RSAK) says the fines contravene a High Court order issued in May suspending NTSA’s automated enforcement system pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The association’s chairman, David Kiarie, accused the authority of defying the court order and warned that RSAK would institute contempt of court proceedings if the enforcement continues.

The association is also demanding the removal of speed cameras installed along major highways, including the Thika Superhighway, the Nairobi Expressway and the Southern Bypass, arguing that abrupt speed limit changes on the roads could themselves endanger motorists.

Refund

RSAK further wants all fines collected under the suspended system refunded to motorists.

Speaking on the matter, Road Safety Association of Kenya representative John Mutisya maintained that traffic fines should only be processed through the judicial system.

“Payments on traffic offences have always been a judicial affair, whether through KCB or now currently through e-Citizen. I think there is a big game there,” Mutisya said.

He insisted that motorists should not be paying the instant penalties while the matter remains before the courts.

“But we should not even be having this conversation because the court order is clear that this matter is suspended by the court until it’s heard and determined,” he added.

NTSA instant fines payments

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has explain why motorists are required to pay instant traffic fines physically at Kenya Commercial Bank branches rather than through the more convenient eCitizen platform.

In a public advisory issued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the authority provided a detailed explanation, citing rising cases of SMS fraud targeting motorists as the primary reason for the requirement.

The clarification comes amid growing public confusion and criticism over the payment process.

“Instant fines ARE NOT paid through the e-Citizen platform. Payments for instant fines must be made physically to the NTSA account at Kenya Commercial Bank branches or KCB agents,” the authority stated.

NTSA has emphasised that while eCitizen remains secure and serves as the official payment gateway for government services, the decision to exclude instant fines was deliberate.