In a bold move to modernize Kenya’s roads and fight corruption, President William Ruto has ordered major changes in traffic control across the country. He directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Ministry of Transport to quickly install smart traffic cameras in major towns and highways.
The government plans to roll out more than 1,000 high-tech cameras. About 700 will be fixed in specific locations, while 300 will be mobile.
These cameras will be placed along busy roads such as Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and the Southern Bypass. The cameras will operate 24 hours a day to monitor traffic.
The new system will detect offences like speeding, failure to wear seat belts, using mobile phones while driving, and driving without valid documents.
Once a driver breaks the law, the system will automatically send an SMS with details of the offence, including the location, time, and fine amount.
This digital shift is expected to reduce the number of traffic officers on the roads. In the past, manual checks sometimes led to delays, arguments, and even bribery. With the new system, enforcement will be more automatic and transparent.
Drivers will also be linked to second-generation smart driving licences, mobile payment wallets, and a merit-demerit points system that tracks driver behavior in real time.
President Ruto has given a one-month deadline to begin the rollout in major towns. The goal is to promote safer roads, reduce corruption, improve traffic flow, and ensure fair enforcement for everyone.
Motorists are now urged to follow traffic rules carefully, as Kenya moves toward a smarter and more technology-driven road system.
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