This archive report was first published on 3 August 2020.
Uhuru Orders Instant Fines for Minor Offenders Before Christmas ¶
President Uhuru Kenyatta has given Interior CS Fred Matiang'i an ultimatum to implement instant fines for minor offenders via M-PESA before Christmas.
Speaking at the launch of the Digital Occurrence Book (OB) at Kamukunji Sub-County Police Headquarters on August 3, 2020, CS Matiang'i disclosed that the President had instructed him to ensure that payment of fines via M-PESA was functional before Christmas.
"We have just been instructed by the President this morning to make sure that after this launch we are moving on to the instant fines before Christmas," CS Matiang'i stated.
He added that the system would allow people to pay fines on M-PESA and receive receipts, eliminating the need for them to visit police stations.
CS Matiang'i convened a meeting with Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and his Principal Secretaries to address the new deadline.
"We must now stop talking about that instant fines thing and make it happen so that we can save our people," CS Matiang'i emphasized.
He also warned police officers to brace themselves for the change, as their seniors would be able to track and report any delays.
Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai noted that the digital OB would ensure that once records are entered, they become permanent without the ability of being altered.
"Kenyans now do not need to reach the police station for booking. It can be done in the field and reported at the station for quick action," Mutyambai explained.
