Traffic offenders on notice as over 400 speed cameras to be installed in Nairobi

Speaking on Citizen TV's Monday report show, Murkomen said the government intends to implement an Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) that will see the introduction of instant fines for motorists as well as pedestrians breaking the law.

The CS noted that already a pilot project for the system is ongoing, adding that before the end of next year the first phase of implementation will have been rolled out in Nairobi as well as the Northern Corridor from Mombasa to Malaba.

"We are planning to install speed cameras across the country. We are also planning to install cameras in 421 junctions in Nairobi and enforce what is called an intelligent traffic system. We were not joking when we said we are going to do so...

"Already we have a pilot project going on, cameras are there at the Southern bypass, Thika Road, Waiyaki Way and Kinungi," said Murkomen.

He added: "Hopefully, next year we should be able to work with the private sector because this is a public-private partnership (PPP) project, we do not wish as the government to borrow or take taxpayers' money to do this yet we can do instant fines."

The Transport CS noted that testing of the cameras captured many traffic offenders noting that once rolled out the system will at the initial stage lead to the collection of alot of resources through fines that will be directed to road maintenance.

"We tested just a few cameras in Nairobi and the amounts is unbelievable... Many people cross traffic lights, overlap etc. As soon as we implement this process we are going to raise alot of resources but we are going to also deter so many people because they are going to receive instant fines to their phones, for violating the law," said the CS.

According to the CS, by the end of 2024, the government should have completed the procurement phase for the project and have the contractor install as many cameras as possible.

Meanwhile, Murkomen has called on all road users to adhere to traffic rules to further suppress the number of deaths due to road carnages.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Transport, 3,999 people died between January and December 7th due to road accidents. 

While acknowledging the decrease compared to the same period in 2022, Murkomen called on all road users to adhere to traffic rules to lower the numbers even further. Boda boda riders accounted for 1063 deaths in the period under review with 1451 pedestrians dying due to careless driving.