The Directorate of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) has revealed that at least four vehicle categories will be exempted from paying tolls on the upcoming Rironi-Mau Summit Highway.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 26, the directorate said that ambulances, military and police vehicles, as well as local traffic for residents living along the highway, will either be charged lower toll fees or be fully exempted from payment.
The directorate has further assured that the toll rates of the road will not be fixed, but instead they will be reviewed and adjusted periodically based on the economic times the country may be in.
"Tolling applies to new or substantially upgraded highways that carry high volumes of passenger and freight traffic and corridors vital to trade and connectivity," the statement read in part.
"Each project follows a structured process: feasibility appraisal, environmental and social assessment, public participation, competitive procurement, and final approval by the PPP Committee," it added.
The statement comes after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) revealed that a proposal has been tabled for motorists to be charged Ksh8 per kilometre to use the expressway, something that has sparked public uproar.
According to a notice by the authority, the expressway will feature eight toll stations and implement an open tolling system, whereby motorists will pay for the distance travelled.
The base toll rate was proposed by the consortium of China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Board of Trustees, who were selected as the Preferred Proponent for the project.
“Based on comparative assessment, the Evaluation Committee concluded that China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) & National Social Security Fund Trustees (NSSF) align with the Contracting Authority’s Output Specifications and PPP Act Cap 430 requirements with a proposed toll rate of Ksh 8 per Km with a 1 per cent escalation rate per annum,” a statement from the authority stated.
The 175km road will feature 15 interchanges, eight footbridges, 25km of service lanes, eight wildlife crossings, 41 U-turns, 41 underpasses, and 118 bus bays.
The directorate has noted that the tolling of the road will be fundamental for traffic management and maintenance of the road, which is expected to reduce vehicle operating costs.
Additionally, the toll proceedings, according to the directorate, will cater for 24-hour patrols, lighting, and rescue services/paramedic services financed from toll proceeds.
