The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is urging lawmakers to back its ongoing digital traffic surveillance pilot by committing more funds, signaling that the success of the initiative hinges not just on technology but political will.
Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Transport, NTSA Director General George Njao appealed for increased budgetary support, emphasizing that the rollout of digital cameras along major highways is still in its six-month trial phase and requires sustained funding for full implementation.
The pilot phase, launched in November 2024, introduced high-definition cameras on key routes including the Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, and Southern Bypass. The system is designed to automate the detection of traffic violations such as speeding, lane indiscipline, and failure to obey traffic signals.
While early feedback has been promising, NTSA officials stress that the long-term success of the program depends on Parliament’s readiness to treat road safety as a priority investment area.