The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
The High Court has extended interim orders blocking the rollout of an automated traffic fines system proposed under a multi-billion-shilling public-private partnership between the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and a consortium led by Pesa Print Limited.
The suspension will remain in place as the court hears consolidated petitions challenging the legality of the partnership.
The proceedings also include a contempt application filed by the Road Safety Association of Kenya (RSAK), through its chairman David Kiarie, alleging that earlier court orders stopping the project were disobeyed.
The contempt case follows an order issued by the High Court in Kerugoya on May 29, 2026, when Justice Magare Dennis Kizito temporarily halted the partnership between NTSA and the Pesa Print-led consortium.
The order covered the design, supply, installation and maintenance of smart driving licences, an automated traffic fines platform and related services.
Justice Kizito issued a conservatory order suspending implementation of the partnership pending further proceedings.
RSAK later moved to court seeking contempt proceedings, arguing that the directives issued on May 29 had not been followed.
NTSA has defended the proposed system, arguing that the technology would help curb corruption while improving road safety and enforcement.
The matter has since been consolidated with a separate petition filed by the Federation of Kenya Consumers (COFEK) and will be heard at the Milimani Law Courts.
The consolidated proceedings bring together challenges by COFEK and RSAK against NTSA and other government agencies over the planned introduction of smart driving licences and the automated fines system.
The respondents include the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, the Public Private Partnership Committee, the Directorate of Public Private Partnerships and the Attorney General.
Pesa Print Limited and KCB Kenya have been listed as interested parties.
Justice Mande directed the respondents and interested parties to file their responses to the application by August 15, 2026.
The contempt application will now be considered alongside the wider consolidated case, with a preliminary objection also set to be heard together with the application.
The extension of the interim orders means implementation of the disputed NTSA system remains suspended as the court continues to consider the legal challenges. A ruling is scheduled for November 26, 2026.
