The High Court has temporarily halted the implementation of the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) planned smart driving licence and automated traffic fines system, dealing a major setback to a project that was expected to transform traffic law enforcement and driver identification across Kenya.
The conservatory orders were issued by Justice Dennis Kizito Magare in Kerugoya following a petition filed by the Road Safety Association of Kenya (RSAK), which is challenging the legality of the project.
The court suspended the implementation of a 21-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between NTSA and a consortium led by Pesa Print Limited pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Under the proposed programme, motorists would have been required to obtain second-generation smart driving licences at a cost of Ksh3,050. The project also included the introduction of an automated traffic enforcement system designed to issue instant penalties for traffic violations through digital platforms.
According to court documents, RSAK argues that the project was rolled out without adequate public participation and raises concerns over transparency in the procurement process.
The association further claims that the long-term contract could lock the country into a technology framework that may quickly become outdated due to rapid advancements in digital systems.
A key concern raised in the petition relates to the collection and storage of motorists’ biometric data. RSAK contends that there are insufficient safeguards to protect sensitive personal information that would be captured during the issuance of the new licences.
The project was also expected to modernise traffic enforcement through the installation of smart surveillance infrastructure and digital monitoring systems aimed at improving road safety and reducing traffic violations.
However, the petitioners argue that Kenyans deserve greater transparency regarding the details of the agreement, including how data would be managed and protected throughout the lifespan of the contract.
The court has directed that the partnership remain suspended until the matter is fully heard. The petition names NTSA, the Public-Private Partnership Committee, the Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships, the National Treasury and the Attorney General among the respondents, while Pesa Print Limited and KCB Bank Kenya Limited have been listed as interested parties.
The case is expected to attract significant public interest as it touches on road safety, digital governance, procurement procedures and data protection rights affecting millions of Kenyan motorists.
 planned smart driving licence and automated traffic fines system, dealing a major setback to a project that was expected to transform traffic law enforcement and driver identification across Kenya.){kind=link}