Ndia MP calls for digital fines, tough penalties to end Kenya’s road carnage
By Bancy Lole, February 7, 2026Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki has called for sweeping reforms in traffic law enforcement, warning that Kenya cannot continue losing lives on its roads due to negligence, corruption, and weak penalties.
Speaking during an interview with K24 on Friday, January 6, 2026, the MP, who also chairs the National Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, said firm and consistent action against traffic offenders is long overdue.
He argued that leniency by enforcement agencies has fuelled lawlessness and emboldened reckless behaviour on Kenyan roads.
“Safety is a shared responsibility. We cannot blame only the Inspector General of Police. Drivers, police officers, regulatory bodies, and all stakeholders must take responsibility,” Kariuki said.
The legislator questioned why unroadworthy vehicles continue to operate freely, noting that mechanical defects significantly contribute to road accidents.
He said such failures point to serious gaps within inspection and enforcement systems. Kariuki proposed the full digitalisation of traffic fines, saying the current manual system is outdated and highly vulnerable to abuse.
Curbing corruption
emphasisedHe emphasized that embracing technology would help curb corruption and improve accountability.
“In developed countries, systems work. Cameras monitor roads, fines are automated, and offenders are punished without negotiation.
Kenya Kenya must adopt similar systems if it is serious about saving lives,” he said.
The MP further criticised existing traffic penalties, describing them as too lenient to deter offenders.
He called for tougher punishments for violations, arguing that harsher penalties would discourage reckless driving and restore discipline on the roads.
cannot“We can not continue as a country to lose lives every day because people refuse to follow traffic rules,” Kariuki stated.
Traffic enforcement
He urged the National Police Service to take a proactive approach to traffic enforcement rather than reacting after accidents occur. At the same time, he challenged oversight and support institutions to confront corruption, saying bribery has undermined enforcement efforts and worsened road carnage.
cannotKariuki stressed that respect for the rule of law is critical to national development, warning that Kenya can not build a strong and orderly society if laws are routinely ignored.
The legislator called on the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service to take full responsibility in enforcing traffic laws and implementing reforms aimed at protecting lives.
“This is about saving lives. All traffic offenders must be punished, and institutions must do their work,” he emphasised.