Court Suspends NTSA–Pesa Print Multi-Billion PPP Deal
News Updated: 06 June 2026 12:48 EAT
Court suspends implementation of NTSA smart driving licence and instant fines.
The High Court in Kerugoya has suspended the implementation of a multi-billion-shilling public-private partnership between the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and a consortium led by Pesa Print Limited, pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging the legality of the arrangement. The conservatory orders temporarily freeze execution of the agreement until the court makes a final determination.
The suspended project covered the design, supply, delivery, installation and maintenance of second-generation smart driving licences, an automated traffic fines system and related digital transport services. The court order effectively halts the planned rollout of the smart licence programme and automated enforcement measures.
The case was filed by the Road Safety Association of Kenya, which named NTSA among respondents. Other parties drawn into the proceedings include the Public-Private Partnership Committee, the Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships, the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary and the Attorney General, while Pesa Print Limited and KCB Bank Kenya Limited were listed as interested parties.
According to court filings, the dispute centres on a public notice issued by NTSA in February 2026 announcing implementation of the strategic partnership. The project was designed to modernise driver licensing through issuance of smart driving licences while introducing infrastructure for automated traffic enforcement and instant fines management.
Petitioners argued that the arrangement raises constitutional and governance concerns, including allegations of inadequate public participation, procurement questions and concerns surrounding management of sensitive personal and biometric data collected through the licensing process. The petition also questioned whether the project had met internal approval and accountability requirements.
The suit further challenged the proposed long-term structure of the agreement, arguing that the duration and implementation model may not adequately account for technological change and public oversight obligations. Concerns were also raised over the use of existing public infrastructure within a privately managed operational framework.
Court records indicate NTSA had planned to operationalise aspects of the instant traffic fines system beginning in early June 2026. With the conservatory orders now in force, implementation remains paused until the court gives further directions and hears arguments from all parties.
The matter is expected to return to court later in June, when the High Court will determine the next stages of the proceedings and decide whether the suspension orders will remain in place as the constitutional challenge proceeds
Tags: Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Signs Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya Article News Article Ntsa NTSA NTSA Signs Media Signsv
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD