The development of the IAFCS marks a significant step in modernising Kenya’s public transport sector and advancing the country’s journey towards a cashless, interoperable, safer, more reliable and commuter-friendly mobility system.
Kenya’s State Department for Transport is spearheading the development of an Integrated Automated Fare Collection System under the proposed Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project. The initiative, led by an Inter-Agency Committee appointed in April 2024, has recorded good progress in preparatory activities towards the rollout of the system.
The IAFCS is expected to transform urban mobility by introducing a centralised digital platform for fare collection across all modes of public transport, including commuter rail, matatus and the Bus Rapid Transit system. Once implemented, the system will enhance commuter mobility, improve safety, ensure regulatory compliance and promote the financial sustainability of transport operations.
The proposed system is anticipated to bring long-term benefits to both commuters and public transport operators. These include seamless intermodal connections, more efficient and sustainable transport services, reduced operational costs, greater accountability in fare collection and reliable data for informed planning and investment decisions.
To advance the work, the technical committee recently held a training workshop designed to build a comprehensive understanding of modern Automated Fare Collection Systems and their role in developing efficient, interoperable and customer-focused public transport networks. The workshop set out to equip participants with the technical knowledge, business insights and operational frameworks needed to plan, implement and manage advanced fare collection systems.
Key objectives of the training workshop included:
• Introducing the fundamentals of fare structures and collection systems, including pricing models, ticketing methods and emerging technologies;
• Explaining the full AFCS business cycle, from issuance and sales to transaction processing, settlement and customer service;
• Strengthening understanding of radio frequency and smart card technologies that underpin modern AFC operations;
• Developing awareness of security threats and protection methodologies essential for safeguarding AFC infrastructure;
• Presenting integrated AFCS architecture and interoperability concepts, including business rules, system components and clearinghouse functions;
• Providing guidance on national standards for IAFCS, covering business rules, technical specifications and compliance requirements;
• Clarifying organisational and human resource needs for establishing and operating a national AFCS framework;
• Sharing real-world case studies to illustrate best practices and lessons learned from major AFC implementations.
