The Nairobi Expressway has become one of the most significant routes in Nairobi to avoid traffic congestion, which has become synonymous with most major roads in the city. However, unknown to many, there exist some vehicles which have been barred from using the highway.
Cases of drivers being denied access to the expressway came to light after a social media user narrated how an Uber driver tried accessing the highway only to be turned back at the toll station.
Later, he discovered that he had been blacklisted and could no longer access the road through either the manual or ETC lanes.
As it turns out, the experience is not isolated, as Moja Expressway Company has confirmed that blacklisting is part of their enforcement mechanism.
How You Can Get Blacklisted
Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, a customer care agent at the expressway revealed that getting banned from the expressway mainly had to do with a traffic offence that was previously committed by a driver.
"If the driver was involved in a traffic offence, then yes. There is a chance he was blacklisted," the agent explained.
Offences that could lead to blacklisting include driving in the wrong lane, especially using the ETC lane without proper registration or balance.
Other common violations include overspeeding, reckless driving, damaging toll infrastructure, or bypassing toll payments entirely.
In more serious cases, drivers found to misuse ETC tags, including sharing them between vehicles or using invalid registration details, can also be banned.
For such cases, a traffic law enforcer on duty may issue a document known as a Notice to Appear in Court, which requires the driver to present themselves to respond to a charge.
In the case of the Uber driver mentioned above, he allegedly overlapped at the toll station and was issued a similar notice. After failing to make a court appearance, he attempted to use the expressway weeks later, only to be told he had been blacklisted.
Failure to appear in court as required can escalate the situation, potentially leading to a warrant of apprehension or a report to Moja Expressway for further action. If a vehicle is flagged, its registration or ETC account can be blocked, effectively barring you from accessing the expressway.
How to Get Off the Expressway Blacklist
Motorists often discover the restriction once they try to gain access at the toll gates, only to find their ETC tag has been deactivated.
To resolve this, the affected individuals will have to visit the Moja Expressway Service Centres either in Mlolongo, Museum Hill or Westlands to determine the reason behind the restriction.
For motorists whose issue is legal, such as a missed court date or pending fine, they may be referred to an appropriate police station for resolution. After compliance, their access may be reinstated.
More importantly, motorists have been urged to take legal notices seriously, particularly those related to expressway offences.
