The government has announced fresh changes in the operations of the Ksh65 billion Nairobi Expressway currently under construction.
In a statement, the Ministry of Treasury revealed that motorists using the highway would be charged toll fees that were reliant on the state of the Kenyan shilling against the dollar.
That means that the toll charge can increase or fall based on how the shilling performs against the dollar.
The state explained that the new directive was in place in order to protect the Chinese firm, China Road and Bridge Construction (CRBC), from losses arising from the exchange rate.
"The BRT rates may be adjusted as per the Consumer Pricing Index (CPI) and exchange rate on and after the commercial operation date.
"The exchange rate on the execution date will be 1 USD to Ksh103.79," read the statement from the Ministry of Treasury in part. Currently, 1 US dollar goes for Ksh109.
The expressway has four-lane and six-lane routes complete with 11 interchanges along the 27.1 km stretch.
In a gazette notice dated December 31, CS Macharia declared the expressway as a toll road with various prices determined based on the vehicle's axle.
It was revealed that Saloon cars (which have two axles, will be expected to foot up to Ksh310 per trip while light vehicles with two axles and raised bonnet will pay Ksh465.
Heavy vehicles with less than four axles will pay Ksh1,240 while those that have more than four axles will be expected to pay Ksh1,798 inclusive of VAT.
With the new development, however, the charges are likely to fluctuate as the exchange rate changes.
Motorcycles and Tuktuks will not be allowed to use the road that is expected to begin operations in June 2022.
