Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that the National Transport and Safety Authority has commenced plans for a digital system that will be used in the enforcement of traffic rules.
In a statement dated Thursday, April 4, Murkomen revealed that NTSA was already in the process of digitising records for all motor vehicles in the country.
He added that the agency will also be capturing the history of motorists given that drivers have been blamed for flaunting traffic rules.
The CS added that the digitisation of the process is prudent given that the government is keen on using technology in nabbing motorists who disobey the traffic rules.
"To streamline the transport sector and improve road safety, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is digitising motor vehicle records and drivers' history to support digital enforcement and violation capture," he stated.
Earlier, the CS had revealed that NTSA would install cameras along major highways to help in monitoring traffic offences and enforcing instant fines.
On the other hand, the CS detailed that the new traffic system will be implemented alongside the anticipated intelligence system that will be installed in 401 junctions in the country.
"Kenya is rapidly emerging as a leading ICT hub as the world recognises our innovative technological ideas. My Ministry is fully committed to integrating cutting-edge technology to solve problems in the transport sector.
"Last month, the Cabinet approved the use of the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to tackle frequent traffic jams at 401 junctions. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority is implementing the first phase of the system at 26 junctions," he added.
The government is also aiming to eliminate human interaction in the process. This will ensure that the system deals with traffic offences efficiently.
According to the plan, the new system will also be used during accidents. The system will be able to capture details of vehicles in accidents and alert various emergency response teams.
NTSA records that 4,324 people died in road accidents in 2023. Most of the fatalities were recorded among pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Human errors such as drunk driving and unworthy road vehicles have been blamed for the rise in accidents.
