Lilian Nyiva
Motorists have raised concerns over what they describe as emerging "instant fine hotspots" along Nairobi's Eastern Bypass after receiving automated speeding violation notifications from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), particularly near the Nairobi Gates Roundabout. The complaints have sparked fresh debate over road signage, speed limit awareness and the use of technology in traffic enforcement.
Motorists Question Speeding Notifications
Several drivers claim they received SMS notifications from NTSA informing them that they had exceeded the speed limit shortly after travelling along the Eastern Bypass. Many say they did not notice any visible speed limit signs or traffic officers in the affected sections and are questioning how the violations were detected.
Some motorists have particularly pointed to the stretch around the Nairobi Gates Roundabout, saying they were unaware of any designated speed restrictions before receiving the fines. According to reports, motorists seeking clarification from NTSA were directed to the agency's communication channels but did not receive immediate confirmation on the specific speed limits in the area.
Growing Debate Over Automated Enforcement
The concerns come as the government continues to implement technology-driven traffic enforcement through automated speed cameras and instant fines aimed at reducing road accidents caused by speeding. The system is designed to identify traffic violations electronically and notify motorists without requiring physical police stops.
Calls for Better Signage and Transparency
Road users and some road safety advocates argue that enforcement should be accompanied by clear and visible speed limit signs to ensure motorists are adequately informed before entering camera-monitored sections. Others have called for greater transparency regarding the placement of speed cameras and the road safety assessments used to determine enforcement locations.
Background
The latest concerns arise amid ongoing public scrutiny of NTSA's automated instant fines programme. Earlier this year, motorists' groups also sought clarification on the operation of the system, including how motorists can challenge penalties and the standards governing automated enforcement. Additionally, the High Court previously suspended the planned expansion of the traffic camera programme under its Public-Private Partnership component pending the hearing of a legal petition.
