Kenya's traffic enforcement landscape underwent a dramatic transformation in early 2026 when the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) deployed over 1,000 AI-powered smart speed cameras across major highways and urban areas. For Nairobi motorists, this represents the most comprehensive automated enforcement system ever implemented in the country, fundamentally changing how traffic rules are monitored and enforced.
This guide provides essential information about speed camera locations, speed limits, how the system works, and what motorists need to know to avoid expensive fines.
The NTSA Speed Camera System: What Changed in 2026
The Presidential Directive That Changed Everything
On March 2, 2026, President William Ruto issued a one-month ultimatum to NTSA to deploy smart traffic cameras in major towns. Expressing frustration over delays in implementing the automated enforcement program, the President demanded rapid deployment.
Within one week of that directive, NTSA announced the system was operational. This rapid deployment followed Cabinet approval in December 2025 of a Sh42 billion public-private partnership between NTSA, KCB Bank Kenya, and technology firm Pesa Print, suggesting that months of preparation had already occurred before the presidential order.
The Scale of the Deployment
More than 1,000 new smart cameras are to go live on Kenyan roads to catch drivers performing illegal manoeuvres under a private-public partnership aimed at curbing speeding and ease execution of instant fines, with the network comprising 700 fixed cameras to be mounted at strategic locations along major highways and high-risk corridors and 300 mobile units targeting speeding hotspots and accident-prone zones.
The cameras are linked to a National Command and Control Centre that monitors traffic in real time, detecting violations and automatically triggering the fine notification system without human intervention.
Speed Camera Locations in Nairobi
Thika Road (Thika Superhighway)
Thika Road has the highest concentration of speed cameras in Nairobi. Confirmed or widely reported monitoring areas include the Safari Park area, Jomoko/Thika Road turnoff, Allsops–GSU HQ stretch, Pangani/Muthaiga interchange, Roysambu/TRM area and Nairobi Expressway.
Specific camera locations on Thika Road:
- Safari Park: A prominent fixed camera monitors this area
- Jomoko–Thika Turnoff: Speed camera positioned at this critical intersection
- Allsops/GSU: Located along the GSU headquarters stretch
- Pangani/Muthaiga Interchange: Fixed camera at this major interchange
- Roysambu/TRM Area: Extended monitoring corridor between Roysambu and TRM (Technology Research Management) area
Nairobi Expressway
The Nairobi Expressway, a modern 27-kilometer toll road connecting JKIA to Westlands, has complete speed camera coverage along its length.
Motorists on the Nairobi Expressway should maintain a speed of 80 km/h between Museum Hill and Westlands, as well as on the stretch after Nyayo Stadium.
Mombasa Road
Along Mombasa Road, the speed limit is 80 km/h from Nyayo Stadium to Sameer Business Park near General Motors, and from Cabanas near JKIA to Mombasa Road.
Additional monitoring occurs on:
- The Southern Bypass (piloted since November 2024)
- Nyayo Stadium section
- Near the virtual weighbridge (Ngong Road side)
Waiyaki Way
On Waiyaki Way, drivers should observe a limit of 60–80 km/h between Kangemi and Uthiru.
Other Major Monitored Corridors
Other areas include Museum Hill exit area, after Nyayo Stadium section, Southern Bypass, near the virtual weighbridge (Ngong Road side), Northern Bypass, and Gitaru/Wangige stretch (mobile cameras common). Other major Nairobi corridors being monitored are Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, Kiambu Road, Likoni Road/Industria.
Speed Limits Across Nairobi and Kenya
Standard Speed Limits by Road Type
Kenya's speed limit structure reflects road classification and usage:
Urban Areas (50 km/h): All driving within Nairobi city boundaries is limited to 50 km/h. This includes major roads like:
- Waiyaki Way (from James Gichuru Road to town)
- Langata Road (from KWS Headquarters/Nairobi National Park to town)
- Ngong Road (from Nakumatt Junction to town)
- Jogoo Road (from Buru Buru turnoff to town)
- Mombasa Road (from City Cabanas Flyover to town)
- Limuru Road (from Muthaiga mini market roundabout to town)
Highways with Modern Enforcement (80-110 km/h): Roads with complete camera coverage typically enforce these limits:
- Thika Superhighway: 80-110 km/h depending on section
- Nairobi Expressway: 80 km/h
- Mombasa Road: 80 km/h in monitored sections
- Southern Bypass: 80-100 km/h
- Northern Bypass: Variable depending on section
- Waiyaki Way: 60-80 km/h in monitored areas
School Zones: 50 km/h or lower when approaching schools and colleges Vehicles Ferrying Pupils: Capped at 50 km/h regardless of road type
Thika Road Speed Limits: Section by Section
Based on NTSA guidance and camera locations:
- Safari Park area: 110 km/h (open highway conditions)
- Jomoko–Thika Turnoff: 80 km/h (urban transition zone)
- Allsops/GSU area: 80 km/h (built-up area)
- Pangani/Muthaiga Interchange: 80 km/h (urban area)
- Roysambu/TRM area: 80-100 km/h (transitional area)
How the NTSA Instant Fine System Works
Real-Time Detection
When a vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the camera captures:
- Vehicle registration plate
- Speed reading
- Date and time
- Location
- Photograph/video evidence
The system uses vehicle registration records to determine responsibility, with fines generated by cameras directed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Automated Notification
With the new digitisation system, motorists exceeding speed limits receive notifications on their mobile phones, and fines are automatically posted to the offender's NTSA accounts. Offenders are then required to pay the fines promptly via mobile money transfer services.
One MP shared his experience: "I received two text messages for poor driving, the first one informing me that I am driving at a speed higher than 110, and I need to pay a certain amount of money."
Fine Payment Process
Fines are automatically posted to your NTSA account, accessible through the TIMS (Transport Integrated Management System) portal. Payment is made via mobile money transfer services (M-Pesa, Airtel Money, etc.) directly to the designated NTSA payment channels.
Elimination of Bribery
A key objective of the automated system is eliminating roadside bribery. Since fines are determined digitally and sent directly to motorists' phones, there is no cash transaction with traffic police, effectively removing the opportunity for informal settlements or bribes.
Camera Installation Timeline and Infrastructure
Pilot Phase (November 2024 - May 2025)
NTSA began testing fixed speed cameras on select roads, including Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and Southern Bypass. This six-month pilot collected data and allowed NTSA to refine the system before full rollout.
Full Rollout (March 2026 - Present)
Following the presidential directive of March 2, 2026, NTSA rapidly deployed cameras across Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities. By June 2026, the 1,000-camera network was substantially operational.
The Public-Private Partnership
The Sh42 billion project runs for 21 years, with the camera network ultimately transferred to state ownership at the end of the contract. This financing model allowed rapid deployment without requiring the full amount from government funds upfront.
The partnership with technology firm Pesa Print provides ongoing maintenance and system management, ensuring cameras remain operational and accurate.
What Motorists Need to Know
Camera Warning Signs
Kenya's transport regulator says all speed cameras installed under the country's new automated traffic enforcement system will be clearly marked with warning signs, even as officials await further guidance following a directive issued by the High Court of Kenya.
NTSA stated that every speed camera will be accompanied by clear signage notifying motorists that they are entering a speed monitoring zone. However, NTSA is yet to publicly release a complete map of every camera location in Nairobi, mainly to prevent drivers from deliberately avoiding enforcement zones.
Assume All Major Roads Are Monitored
Drivers are advised that speed cameras are active on all major highways into Nairobi, particularly on Thika Road and the Southern Bypass, whether marked or not.
The practical implication: assume that any major road with recent camera installations could have additional cameras you're unaware of. The safest approach is maintaining speed limits consistently rather than relying on spotting camera locations.
Mixed Enforcement: Automated and Traditional
The system will combine automated cameras and traditional police enforcement to detect violations, including speeding and other minor traffic offences outlined under Section 117 of the Traffic Act.
This means that while some violations are detected automatically, traffic police continue manual enforcement for other offences and may also use handheld speed guns.
Fine Amounts and Penalties
While specific fine amounts vary based on the degree of speeding and vehicle type, the system follows established traffic violation penalties. Fine notices include the specific violation, recorded speed, speed limit for that section, and required payment amount.
The Traffic Act Section 117 and related sections outline the range of penalties for speeding violations. Repeat offenders may face escalating penalties.
Critical Issues and Concerns
Court Challenge and Legal Status
As of March 2026, the system operates pending further guidance following directives issued by the High Court of Kenya. Legal challenges have been raised regarding various aspects of the automated enforcement system, including due process concerns and the validity of digital-only evidence.
Motorists have questioned whether photographic evidence from cameras alone is sufficient for conviction without the opportunity to verify calibration or contest the reading. These legal questions remain unsettled, creating uncertainty about the system's ultimate durability.
System Accuracy and Calibration
The cameras must be regularly calibrated to ensure accurate speed readings. Questions have been raised about:
- Whether cameras are properly maintained
- How often calibration is verified
- What recourse exists if a motorist believes the reading is inaccurate
- How disputes over camera readings are resolved
NTSA has not provided detailed public information about calibration standards or appeal procedures.
Digital Divide and Access Issues
The automated system assumes all motorists have:
- Mobile phones to receive notifications
- Mobile money access to pay fines
- Internet access to check NTSA accounts
This creates challenges for:
- Elderly motorists unfamiliar with digital payments
- Rural drivers with limited connectivity
- Those without reliable mobile money access
- Low-income drivers facing sudden large fines
Financial Impact on Vulnerable Groups
The instant fine system places a heavy financial burden on lower-income motorists who may struggle to pay fines promptly. Unlike traditional enforcement where negotiation was sometimes possible, the automated system offers no flexibility.
Privacy and Data Concerns
The system creates comprehensive records of:
- Who owns each vehicle
- Where each vehicle travels
- When vehicles travel
- Speed patterns for individual drivers
Questions about data security, access controls, and potential misuse of this data have not been fully addressed by NTSA.
Speeding and Road Safety: The Context
Why Speed Cameras Matter
Kenya's road safety record is among the worst globally. Latest NTSA surveys show continued increases in road deaths, with pedestrians being the most affected category.
The latest survey by NTSA shows that a total of 1,410 people had lost their lives on the road as at June 4, compared to 1,279 who died by June 4, 2018. The survey showed that pedestrians still lead the pack with 521 having lost their lives.
Speeding is a contributing factor in a significant portion of these deaths. The speed camera system aims to deter speeding through certainty of detection rather than relying on the traditional low probability of being caught by traffic police.
Evidence from the Pilot
During the six-month pilot phase (November 2024 - May 2025), NTSA collected data on speeding violations, accident reduction, and system effectiveness. While the authority has not published detailed findings, the decision to rapidly expand the system suggests the pilot showed positive results in deterring speeding.
Practical Advice for Nairobi Motorists
Know the Speed Limits
Familiarize yourself with speed limits on roads you regularly drive. The Nairobi 50 km/h limit applies to almost all urban driving, not just main roads.
Maintain Legal Speeds Consistently
Rather than trying to spot cameras, maintain legal speeds throughout your journey. This is safer, reduces fuel consumption, and eliminates the stress of worrying about camera locations.
Check NTSA Accounts Regularly
If you receive a speed violation notice, immediately verify it on your NTSA account. Check that:
- The vehicle registration is correct
- The location and time are accurate
- The speed reading seems reasonable for conditions
Understand Your Appeal Rights
While NTSA has not provided detailed information about challenging speed camera readings, understand that you may have rights to dispute violations. Document your concerns and seek clarification from NTSA if you believe a reading is incorrect.
Plan Extra Time for Journeys
Driving at legal speeds on Nairobi roads takes longer than speeding. Plan trips with adequate time buffer so you're not tempted to exceed speed limits to make up time.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Ensure your speedometer is accurate and functioning properly. A malfunctioning speedometer could lead to unintentional speed violations.
The Broader Enforcement Philosophy
The shift to automated speed cameras represents a fundamental change in Kenya's enforcement approach from discretionary, officer-based enforcement to rules-based, technology-driven enforcement.
Benefits of this approach:
- Consistency: All speeding violations are recorded uniformly regardless of location or time
- Reduced corruption: Elimination of roadside payments and bribes
- Objective evidence: Cameras provide clear documentation of violations
- Scalability: One camera can process hundreds of vehicles per day
Concerns about this approach:
- No nuance: Automated systems cannot account for circumstances (emergency, medical) that might justify speed violations
- Privacy: Comprehensive data collection about driver behavior and location
- Regressive impact: Fixed fines are a larger burden for low-income drivers
- Technical issues: System malfunctions or calibration errors have no human oversight
The Future of Traffic Enforcement in Kenya
The success of the speed camera system will likely influence the expansion of automated enforcement to other traffic violations. NTSA has indicated plans to use cameras for:
- Traffic light violations
- Illegal lane changes
- Failure to use safety equipment (seat belts, motorcycle helmets)
- Reckless driving maneuvers
Kenya is thus moving toward a comprehensive automated enforcement ecosystem where most traffic violations will be detected electronically rather than by traffic police.
Adapting to Kenya's New Enforcement Landscape
The NTSA's deployment of over 1,000 speed cameras across Nairobi and Kenya represents the most significant change in traffic enforcement in the country's recent history. For motorists, the simple message is clear: speed limits are now consistently enforced through technology that cannot be evaded through negotiation or informal payments.
Whether you view this as progress toward safer roads or as an invasive surveillance system, the practical reality for Nairobi drivers is the same: consistent adherence to posted speed limits is now the only way to avoid fines.
The system is not perfect—legal challenges continue, questions about accuracy and fairness remain, and concerns about privacy and disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations are valid. However, the cameras are now a permanent feature of Kenya's traffic infrastructure, and motorists must adapt accordingly.
Drive safely, obey speed limits, and use the information in this guide to navigate Nairobi's roads with awareness of where enforcement is active and what speeds are legal. Your safety and your wallet will thank you.
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