Many drivers in Kenya have received text messages from numbers claiming to be from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). These messages warn of traffic violations like overspeeding and direct people to pay fines quickly.
One such case involved the brother of lawyer Donald B. Kipkorir.
He got a message about overspeeding on the A2 Road near Kibirigwi Girls Secondary School.
As a law-abiding citizen, he followed the instructions and paid the fine.
The payment went to a KCB bank account in the name of an individual, Catherine Jerono Tomno.
The transaction receipt clearly shows the money was sent to this personal account. This raises serious questions.
Kenyan law does not allow government institutions like NTSA to collect public funds through personal bank accounts. Such accounts should be in the name of the institution or a clear government entity to ensure transparency and accountability.
This practice suggests possible collusion between NTSA and KCB to make it easier for money to flow into private hands. Instead of using official channels like e-Citizen or dedicated government accounts, payments are directed to individual names.
This setup makes it hard to track where the money really ends up. It looks like a system designed to siphon public money under the cover of traffic enforcement.
Kenyans already face high living costs and heavy taxation. Traffic fines add to the burden, especially when the process feels shady.
Many drivers pay without questioning because they fear more trouble or higher penalties. But cases like this show why people should check carefully before paying.
Official NTSA fines are supposed to go through verified government platforms, not personal accounts
KCB, as one of Kenya’s largest banks, has a duty to ensure its accounts are not used for questionable government collections. Allowing personal accounts for official fines opens the door to abuse.
If thousands of drivers pay similar fines daily, large sums could disappear without proper oversight. This is not just bad administration.
It feels like an organized way to take money from ordinary citizens.
NTSA has introduced automated traffic cameras and instant fines to improve road safety. That goal is good, but the way fines are collected must follow the law.
Using individual names for payments breaks basic rules of public finance.
