Kenya has stepped up road safety enforcement with the rollout of AI-powered smart cameras across major roads in Nairobi and beyond, as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) moves to crack down on speeding and eliminate bribery through an instant digital fine system.

As of March 2026, up to 1,000 smart cameras are being deployed on key roads, with fines sent directly to a vehicle owner’s mobile phone the moment a violation is detected, bypassing any chance of a roadside bribe.

Where the cameras are:

Motorists should be particularly alert on the following roads and their respective speed limits:

Safari Park – Thika Road: 110 km/h,

Jomoko – Thika Road junction: 80 km/h,

Allsops / GSU HQ – Thika Road: 80 km/h,

Pangani / Muthaiga Interchange – Thika Road: 80 km/h,

Roysambu / TRM area: 80 – 100 km/h,

Southern Bypass – Virtual Weighbridge (Kikuyu side): 80 km/h,

Southern Bypass – Ngong Road Interchange: 80 km/h,

Northern Bypass – After Gitaru near Wangige: 80 km/h,

Northern Bypass – Ruaka / Wangige stretch: 80 km/h,

Nairobi Expressway – Museum Hill exit to Westlands: 80 km/h,

Nairobi Expressway – After Nyayo Stadium: 80 km/h,

Mombasa Road – Nyayo Stadium area: 80 km/h,

Mombasa Road – Sameer Business Park / GM area: 80 km/h,

Mombasa Road – Cabanas / JKIA approach: 80 km/h, and

Waiyaki Way – Kangemi / Uthiru stretch: 60–80 km/h.

Urban areas are generally capped at 50 km/h, while highways and dual carriageways allow between 100 km/h and 110 km/h.

How the Fine System Works:

The cameras use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect speeding, lane violations, and driver distraction including use of mobile phone while driving.

Once a violation is captured, the system reads the vehicle’s registration plate and instantly sends an SMS to the registered owner detailing the offence and the fine amount, payable via mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa.

The penalty structure is as follows: exceeding the speed limit by 6 to 10 km/h attracts a Sh500 fine, 11 to 15 km/h over the limit draws a Sh3,000 fine, while 16 to 20 km/h above the limit results in a Sh10,000 penalty.

Persistent offenders risk having their licence suspended under a 20-point demerit tracking system.

Notably, many of the newly installed cameras are being set up without visible warning signage, what some have dubbed “stealth cameras,” designed to catch speeding motorists off guard.

Drivers are advised to assume that speed cameras are active on all major highways into Nairobi, particularly on Thika Road and the Southern Bypass, whether marked or not.

The message from NTSA is clear; slow down, or pay the price.