Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed plans to install over 400 speed surveillance cameras in Nairobi to curb the flouting of traffic rules.

Murkomen said the government intends to implement an Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) that will see the introduction of instant fines for motorists and pedestrians breaking the law.

The CS noted that a pilot project for the system is ongoing, adding that before the end of next year the first phase of implementation will have been rolled out in Nairobi as well as in the Northern Corridor from Mombasa to Malaba.

“Already we have a pilot project going on. Cameras are at the Southern bypass, Thika Road, Waiyaki Way and Kinungi,” said Murkomen

The CS said the procurement phase for the project will be completed by the end of 2024.
He added: “Hopefully, next year we should be able to work with the private sector because this is a public-private partnership (PPP) project, we do not wish as the government to borrow or take taxpayers’ money to do this yet we can do instant fines.”

The Transport CS said many traffic offenders were captured and fined while the cameras were being tested, noting that the system will lead to the collection of a lot of fines which will be directed to road maintenance.

Meanwhile, Murkomen has called on all road users to adhere to traffic rules to reduce the number of accident deaths.

According to Ministry of Transport statistics, 3,999 people died due to road accidents between January and December 7.

Boda boda riders accounted for 1,063 deaths in the period under review with 1,451 pedestrians dying due to careless driving.

He said the number of deaths had, however, decreased compared to the same period last year.