NTSA Clarifies Why Instant Traffic Fines Are Not Paid Through eCitizen

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has clarified that motorists issued with instant traffic fines cannot pay the penalties through the eCitizen platform, warning the public against fraudsters exploiting the government’s digital payment systems.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the authority said although eCitizen remains the official payment gateway for many government services, instant fines are excluded from the platform.

“Instant fines are not paid through the eCitizen platform,” NTSA said.

Instead, motorists are required to make payments in person into the NTSA account at Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) branches or through KCB agents.

According to the authority, the requirement for physical payments was introduced following numerous reports of fraudsters sending fake SMS messages demanding payment for non-existent traffic offences.

NTSA said making payments at KCB branches and agents adds an extra layer of verification, helping protect motorists from social engineering scams and fraudulent payment requests.

The authority further clarified that genuine instant fine notifications are only sent through its official short code, 22847_NTSA, and contain details of the offence committed, the penalty imposed and payment instructions.

It urged motorists to verify the source of any payment notification before making any transactions.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to always verify the source of any notification before making any payment,” the authority said.

The clarification comes amid increased attempts by cybercriminals to target motorists through phishing messages and fake payment demands masquerading as official government communications.

NTSA said the advisory is intended to counter misinformation and safeguard members of the public while supporting the implementation of road safety enforcement measures.

Motorists seeking information on traffic fines and other NTSA services have been advised to use the authority’s official communication channels and website.

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