Matatu operators may miss out on digital traffic ticketing and new safeguards against repeated police roadside stops. A parliamentary committee has rejected proposals seeking to introduce the changes through amendments to the Traffic Act.
The Matatu Owners Association had asked lawmakers to introduce digital traffic enforcement systems. These included electronic ticketing and digital records through collaboration between the National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority. Operators wanted to reduce reliance on manual processes during roadside checks.
The association also wanted safeguards against repeated police stops. It argued that vehicles should not face unnecessary interruptions along their routes. It also sought clearer rules on roadside traffic checks.
However the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure declined to include the proposals in the Traffic Amendment Bill 2026. The committee said they fell outside the scope of the proposed amendments.
The Bill mainly seeks to regulate how long police officers can detain vehicles and motorcycles seized during traffic related investigations. It does not seek to introduce a new traffic enforcement system.
The association had further proposed cashless payments for traffic related charges and clearer accountability when vehicles are stopped by police. The committee did not adopt the wider proposals. Some were considered outside the Bill’s scope while others were deemed to be covered by existing laws.
The Bill is sponsored by Kitui Central MP Robert Ngui Basil. It proposes a 48 hour detention period where photographs or assessment reports are enough evidence for court proceedings. Detention of up to 14 days would apply where investigations are necessary.
The committee recommended that the National Assembly approve the Bill with amendments. These include written detention and release notices and reasonable care of vehicles held in custody.
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