Motorists across Kenya have received temporary relief after the High Court suspended the implementation of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) smart driving licence programme and the planned automated traffic fines system.
The conservatory orders were issued by Justice Dennis Kizito of the High Court in Kerugoya, effectively halting a public-private partnership agreement between NTSA and a consortium led by Pesa Print Limited. The suspension will remain in force until a constitutional petition challenging the project is heard and determined.
Court Freezes Multi-Billion-Shilling Project
The ruling temporarily stops the design, installation, supply, and maintenance of second-generation smart driving licences, as well as the automated traffic enforcement system that was expected to modernize road safety management in Kenya.
According to the court, the project cannot proceed pending an inter partes hearing on the matter.
Road Safety Association Challenges Deal
The case was filed by the Road Safety Association of Kenya (RSAK), which raised concerns about the legality and transparency of the agreement. The petition names NTSA, the Public-Private Partnership Committee, the Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships, the National Treasury, and the Attorney General as respondents.
Pesa Print Limited and KCB Bank Kenya have been listed as interested parties in the case.
Concerns Over Procurement and Public Participation
Petitioners argue that the contract was awarded through a flawed process and claim there was insufficient public participation before the project was announced.
The association further questioned the long-term obligations created by the deal and expressed concerns regarding data protection and privacy safeguards associated with the digital systems.
Planned Features of the Smart Licence System
The suspended programme was expected to introduce new smart driving licences linked to an automated traffic management system. It would also support instant traffic fines issued electronically to motorists found violating road regulations.
The government had promoted the initiative as part of broader efforts to digitize driver records, improve road safety, and strengthen traffic law enforcement across the country.
What Happens Next?
With the court orders now in place, the rollout of the smart licences and automated fines system has been put on hold until the legal challenge is fully determined.
The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for Kenya's efforts to modernize transport management and introduce technology-driven traffic enforcement.
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