The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is advancing plans to introduce a tolling system on key roads, including the Thika Superhighway, sparking a national debate over the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a move.
KeNHA argues that tolling will enable the authority to rehabilitate and maintain the specific roads where the tolls are collected. The agency believes this strategy will allow the redirection of funds from the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) towards constructing new road projects, thereby expanding the country's road network.
"In the event of successful tolling, the collected fees will then be used to maintain and rehabilitate the specific road that they are collected from," KeNHA stated. "This could free RMLF to fund new road projects."
The roads identified for potential tolling include the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Thika Superhighway, Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and the Dongo Kundu Bypass.
KeNHA on Wednesday, emphasized that the revenue generated from these tolls would be allocated to maintaining the same roads, ensuring that the toll fees directly benefit the motorists who pay them.
“This will free money collected from road levies for the construction of new roads, expanding our network and improving connectivity across the country. Through this approach, KeNHA is committed to creating a safer, more efficient road system for all Kenyans,” the authority explained.
However, the proposal has not been without its critics. Public transport operators, particularly those under the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), have expressed strong opposition to the plan. Albert Karakacha, chairman of the MOA, stated, "We will not support it," reflecting the concerns of many within the public transport sector who fear that tolls will increase transportation costs.
Economic experts have also weighed in on the issue, noting that the success of tolling depends heavily on how it is implemented. Taxi drivers have echoed similar concerns, fearing that tolls will negatively impact their business.
KeNHA, however, remains optimistic, assuring the public of thorough and extensive participation in the development of the Road Tolling Policy. The authority has pledged to engage with the public at every stage of the process to ensure that all voices are heard.
"KeNHA remains committed to transparency and inclusivity throughout this process and will continue to engage with the public at every stage," the agency affirmed.
The reintroduction of tolls on public roads in Kenya comes against the backdrop of the country's growing debt pressures, which have strained government resources for development projects.
Currently, the only tolled road in Kenya is the 27-kilometre Nairobi Expressway, built by a Chinese contractor under a public-private partnership at a cost of Sh88 billion.
KeNHA's proposal, if implemented, could mark a significant shift in how Kenya funds its road infrastructure. But the question remains whether the public, already burdened by high costs of living and increased fuel prices, will accept the additional financial strain that tolls could impose.
