NTSA faces contempt charge for defying court order suspending automated fines system

The Road Safety Association of Kenya, through its chairman David Kiarie, has moved to court seeking to have the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) declared in contempt for allegedly disobeying orders suspending the implementation of a new automated fines system.

The association claims NTSA violated conservatory orders issued by the court on May 29, 2026, suspending the implementation of a public-private partnership between the authority and Pesa Print Limited consortium.

The partnership involves the design, supply, delivery, installation and maintenance of smart driving licences, an automated fines system and related services.

In a Notice of Motion, the association says the court order was served on all the parties, including NTSA, first through email on May 30 and later through physical service on June 2, 2026.

It further claims that despite being served with the order, NTSA proceeded with the implementation of the automated fines system.

The association says the court order and alleged violation were subsequently brought to the personal attention of NTSA Director General Nashon Odhiambo Kondiwa through a letter dated June 5, 2026, which was received on the same day.

According to the applicant, NTSA has nevertheless continued implementing the fines system despite the court's orders.

The association argues that the authority's conduct amounts to contempt of court and undermines the dignity and authority of the court.

It is now asking the court to certify the application as urgent and to declare NTSA in contempt for allegedly disobeying the orders.

Meanwhile, the orders suspending the implementation of the public-private partnership between NTSA and the Pesa Print Limited consortium have since been extended until November 2026, pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The Public Private Partnership Committee, Directorate of Public Private Partnerships, Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning and the Attorney General have been named as respondents, while Pesa Print Limited and KCB Bank Kenya Limited are listed as interested parties.