The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is preparing to introduce advanced technologies aimed at detecting and recording speeding offences in a bid to reduce the rising number of road fatalities in Kenya.
After six months of testing fixed speed cameras on key Nairobi roads such as the Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and the Southern Bypass, the authority is now ready to expand the use of this technology. In addition to the fixed installations, mobile speed cameras have also undergone testing on various roads across the country since late 2024.
The NTSA is now pushing for funding to facilitate the nationwide rollout of both fixed and mobile speed detection systems. These cameras are expected to play a critical role in monitoring driver behavior and enforcing speed limits more effectively, contributing to safer roads across Kenya.
With the testing phase concluded, the NTSA has collected sufficient data to support the full implementation of these systems. The intention is to institutionalize the use of both types of speed cameras, making them a permanent part of traffic law enforcement. The goal is not only to penalize offenders but also to deter reckless driving and encourage responsible road use.
Recent statistics paint a grim picture of road safety in the country. On average, 12 Kenyans lost their lives daily in road accidents during the 2024/25 financial year. Between June 2024 and March 2025, there were 3,581 recorded fatalities—a 10 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year.
In addition to the high death toll, 8,874 people suffered serious injuries while another 5,620 sustained minor injuries in the same period. Nairobi emerged as the county with the highest number of road-related fatalities between January and March 2025, recording 138 deaths. Most of these occurred along major roads such as the Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, Outer Ring Road, and Langata Road.
The data reveals that the primary causes of fatal accidents include hit-and-run incidents, tyre bursts, drivers losing control of their vehicles or motorcycles, improper overtaking, and failure to observe lane discipline. Head-on collisions, which are particularly deadly, often result from these violations.
The introduction of speed detection technology is therefore seen as a strategic move to address these issues by ensuring that drivers are held accountable in real time. The technology is expected to work in tandem with existing traffic enforcement mechanisms and could significantly reduce the burden on traffic officers while increasing efficiency in handling traffic offences.
Beyond enforcement, the NTSA’s broader strategy includes raising public awareness about road safety and improving driver education. However, officials believe that technology will serve as a key deterrent against speeding, which remains a leading contributor to road accidents in the country.
As road usage continues to increase, particularly in urban areas, there is a growing need for innovative and scalable solutions to enhance road safety. The planned rollout of speed detection cameras signals a major shift in Kenya’s approach to traffic management, with a focus on data-driven interventions and the use of modern surveillance tools to safeguard lives.
