ARTICLE
Smart Driving Licence and Instant Traffic Fines: Suspended by the High Court
Two of NTSA's biggest 2026 projects, a new smart driving licence and automated instant traffic fines, are on hold after a High Court order in May.
What was planned
- A smart driving licence with an embedded chip holding a driver's record, including offences and payments. Reports put the cost to motorists at KES 3,050.
- Automated instant fines: offences detected and fines notified to drivers by SMS, so minor offences could be settled without a court appearance.
- The project was run as a 21-year public-private partnership between NTSA and Pesa Print Limited, with KCB reported as the partner for enrolment.
What the court did
On 29 May 2026, the High Court in Kerugoya issued conservatory orders suspending the NTSA–Pesa Print partnership, and with it the smart licence and automated fines rollout, until a petition by the Road Safety Association of Kenya is heard. The petition argues the deal lacked NTSA board approval and public participation, and was directly procured.
Where it stands (21 October 2026): we haven't found a public ruling lifting the orders. Until NTSA says otherwise, your current driving licence remains the one to carry.
Why it matters for buyers and sellers
The smart licence was designed to put a driver's history in one place. Vehicles already have that kind of record, if you know where to look. Before you buy a used car, a CarTrust report shows its auction history, recorded mileage and registration timeline, and NTSA's eLogbook confirms who owns it today.