Matatu operators may miss out on digital traffic ticketing and new safeguards against repeated police roadside stops after a parliamentary committee rejected proposals seeking to introduce the changes through amendments to the Traffic Act.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) had asked lawmakers to introduce digital traffic enforcement systems, including electronic ticketing and digital records, through collaboration between the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The proposals were intended to change how traffic offences are recorded and enforced, with operators seeking a system that would reduce reliance on manual processes during roadside checks.
The association, according to the report seen by Kenyans.co.ke, also wanted safeguards against repeated police stops, arguing that vehicles should not face unnecessary interruptions while operating along their routes.
Its recommendations included clearer rules governing roadside traffic checks and limits on repeated stops of the same vehicle by police officers.
However, the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure declined to incorporate the proposals into the Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2026, saying they fell outside the scope of the proposed amendments.
The Bill primarily seeks to regulate how long police officers can detain vehicles and motorcycles seized during traffic-related investigations rather than introduce a new traffic enforcement system.
The association had also proposed other measures, including cashless payments for traffic-related charges and clearer accountability…
