The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is gearing up to implement digital surveillance cameras on major highways across Kenya to curb overspeeding and enhance road safety. The initiative, which is currently in its pilot phase, began in November 2024 and is expected to run for six months before full-scale implementation.
Digital cameras have already been strategically installed along key highways, including the Thika Superhighway, Southern Bypass, and Mombasa Road. These high-tech devices are designed to monitor vehicle speeds in real-time and automatically issue fines to drivers who exceed the speed limit. Offending motorists will receive electronic tickets directly on their mobile devices.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Transport, NTSA Director General George Njao urged lawmakers to support the initiative by allocating the necessary funds. He emphasized the importance of financial backing to facilitate the next stage, which involves the rollout of 408 additional driver enrollment kits. These kits will help update and digitize driver information, with a particular focus on accommodating Kenyans living abroad who are unable to return home for such processes.
“We have now six months’ test and the data is now accurately captured; the next phase is to roll out the additional 408 enrollment kits,” said Njao. He noted that while legal frameworks are under review by the Attorney General’s chambers, a lack of budgetary allocation could hinder national implementation.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir echoed Njao’s sentiments, confirming that the government is preparing to institutionalize the program by acquiring more digital cameras both fixed and mobile. These will be deployed nationwide to improve road user behavior and reduce accidents caused by reckless driving.
“There are some digital cameras installed in some locations for testing; we’ve collected enough data and should be going into the second phase,” Chirchir stated.
The Transport Committee praised the ministry for adopting modern technology to address traffic challenges. With rising road accidents linked to speeding, the new system is expected to serve as both a deterrent and enforcement tool, ultimately saving lives on Kenyan roads.
