Traffic police officers who have been collecting bribes on some roads in Nairobi could soon be going home with empty pockets thanks to a new system that is being introduced by the government.
The system known as Nairobi Intelligent Transport System which will be managing traffic flow in Nairobi mostly at the junctions where police officers have been spending many hours controlling traffic.
On February 14, 2024 a cabinet meeting chaired by President Ruto approved the use of the new technology which was tested last year.
The system will involve use of automated cameras on road junctions in Nairobi instead of traffic police officers.
“To address traffic congestion in Nairobi and align with international best practices city management, Cabinet approves Nairobi Intelligent Transport System,” the dispatch from the executive office of the President reads.
The Wednesday dispatch says “the phase three of this project is expected to revolutionise traffic management in Kenya, eliminating human interfaces in traffic control.”
This is also aimed at streamlining the payment of penalties on traffic offences.
In its update last year, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) stated the system will cost about Sh6.5 billion.
Kura further said the system had been piloted in some city roads intersections including City Mortuary roundabout, Kibera junction around Uchumi, Yaya Centre, Dennis Pritt-Lenana Road junction and Loitokitok Road junction. Other junctions were around Kileleshwa Police Station, Riverside junction towards Arboretum, Ngong Road junction and Westlands area.
