Speed up switch to spot fines for traffic offences

Just last year, Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta proposed changes to law that would see minor traffic offences attract spot fines. The City Council of Nairobi echoed the move in an advertisement announcing a proposed bylaw to enable instant ticketing. Police have even begun issuing traffic bonds by the roadside for those destined to court.

These developments have the potential to reduce time ‘wasted’ at police stations (processing the offenders) and in traffic court (if the charges are not contested).

They would also reduce bribery of police officers and the likelihood of matatu strikes over ‘extortion’ or harassment every time there is a crackdown.

As bribery surveys consistently point out, it is the fear of inco-nvenience that leads to pressure on the police from the public to take bribes. The matatu industry is particularly sensitive to this. At the moment, an honest police officer represents hours wasted in court and high fines — making a bribe seems an attractive option.But with officers afraid of getting caught, bribe amounts are higher, leading to the crisis we have.

Better behaviour

Motorists fork over half a billion a year to the Government in fines (two thirds of that from Nairobi alone) and a great deal more in bribes. The introduction of the new generation drivers’ licences the Transport ministry has promised would help channel all this money to the State while removing the inconvenience factor that spurs bribery. Used alongside the penalty system for repeat offenders, it would also force better behaviour among drivers.