The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Concerns have emerged within parts of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) following the introduction of an automated instant fines system by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) targeting traffic offenders.
The Instant Fines Management System, which was launched on Monday, March 9, relies on high-definition smart cameras to detect traffic violations in real time and immediately issue penalties.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Through the system, fines are automatically generated and sent to motorists via SMS, removing the need for human involvement in the enforcement process.
NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa said the automated system is designed to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in enforcing traffic laws.
“This process is fully automated and operates without human intervention, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in traffic enforcement,” he said.
The initiative is part of the “Usalama Barabarani” programme, which aims to reduce road accidents and address corruption on major roads and in urban areas. Authorities plan to gradually extend the system to rural and feeder roads.
However, the rollout has sparked concern among some legal professionals. Senior lawyer Peter Wanyama, who vied for the LSK presidency in the recent elections won by Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, warned that such digital systems could disrupt the legal profession.
Wanyama argued that the automation of traffic fines, which reduces the need for court cases in many offences, could eventually limit work opportunities for lawyers.
“During the LSK campaigns, I repeatedly warned that digitisation would disrupt legal services. Many people ignored it, but we are now beginning to see it happen,” he said.
He further suggested that the move could signal broader technological changes that may reshape legal practice in the future.
“The next step could involve digitising insurance compensation through a fixed matrix, which may further reduce the role of lawyers. This raises the question of how many law firms still depend on traditional practices for income,” he added.
Under the new system, fines are automatically charged to the registered owner of the vehicle, even when the violation is committed by hired drivers such as those operating matatus or boda bodas.
The technology uses artificial intelligence and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to match vehicle number plates with NTSA records before issuing penalties ranging from Sh500 to Sh10,000 depending on the offence.
Motorists are required to settle the fines within seven days of receiving the SMS notification.
NTSA warned that failure to pay within the stipulated period will result in additional interest charges. Vehicles or drivers with outstanding fines will also be blocked from accessing NTSA service platforms until the penalties are cleared.
Traditionally, lawyers in Kenya have played a key role in handling traffic-related cases by representing motorists in court, negotiating reduced penalties, guiding clients through legal procedures, and advising them on whether to challenge or accept fines.
Click Here To Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel
While Wanyama cautioned that automated fines could reduce the need for lawyers in traffic cases, many social media users urged the legal profession to adapt to technological changes.
Some commentators argued that lawyers should shift their focus to more complex legal services rather than resist digital transformation.
Others noted that the legal profession has survived past technological changes, including the transition from typewriters to digital systems and the introduction of electronic court filings.
Supporters of the initiative say such reforms are intended to make enforcement faster, more efficient, and less costly for the public.
The automated cameras and sensors used in the system can detect at least 37 types of traffic violations, including speeding, lane indiscipline, obstruction, touting, and the use of mobile phones while driving.
Whether concerns that the system could eventually reduce the role of lawyers will materialise remains to be seen as the initiative continues to roll out across the country.
