The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed plans to introduce tolls on several major highways across the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, KeNHA noted that among the roads under consideration include the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Thika Superhighway, and Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road.
Others where the roads authority is mulling introducing tolls are Mombasa Southern Bypass and Dongo Kundu Bypass.
Under the toll model, motorists are expected to pay a certain amount before being allowed to use the road. The amount paid is commensurate with the distance covered.
KeNHA message to Kenyans
According to KeNHA, a policy framework is still being prepared that will guide the process of tolling the six major highways across the country and other roads that will be identified.
Moreover, KeNHA has pledged to conduct extensive public participation before adopting the road tolling policy.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority appreciates the ongoing discussion around the development of a road tolling policy. The Authority assures the public that this policy will be developed with extensive public participation to ensure that all voices are heard,” KeNHA stated.
“KeNHA remains committed to transparency and inclusivity throughout this process and will continue to engage with the public at every stage.”
3/3 Mombasa Southern Bypass, Dongo Kundu Bypass, among others.
KeNHA remains committed to transparency and inclusivity throughout this process and will continue to engage with the public at every stage.— Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) (@KeNHAKenya) August 13, 2024
If the policy is approved, KeNHA will reveal the toll charges for various highways across the country.
It will also begin the process of building toll stations on the highways, which will be approved for tolling.
In January 2024, former Transports and Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, now Sports CS, proposed the tolling idea on major roads.
Murkomen said the government was seeking to find alternative means to raise revenue for the implementation of the Kenya National Highway Authority’s (Kenha) 2023–27 Strategic Plan, hence the need to introduce toll fees on major roads.
“New tolling schemes will consider affordability, equity, and the potential impact on different segments of our society,” Murkomen explained then.
A perfect example of a toll road in the country is the Nairobi Expressway, where motorists are required to pay before using the elevated highway running from Mlolongo to James Gichuru Road along Waiyaki Way.