The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is set to conduct a test run of the electronic toll fee collection for motorists using the Nairobi Expressway.
On Tuesday, October 19, KeNHA announced that its implementation team is constructing an operation and monitoring centre that will help to manage and maintain the highway.
The centre will be crucial in KeNHA’s plans to run a pilot project on the electronic toll collection system, according to the statement issued by Director General, Engineer Kungu Ndung’u.
“The operation centre is 98 per cent complete,” Ndung’u stated.
“Plans are underway to run the pilot project. This will enable the implementation team to test the efficiency and security of the system.”
Motorists planning to use the road will pay between Ksh150 and Ksh1,700 depending on the size of the car and distance covered.
KeNHA further noted that the Expressway, set to be fully operational in June 2022, was 67.3 per cent complete as of Tuesday, October 19.
The agency allowed motorists to start using completed sections of the road, in mid-September 2021.
This included sections along Imara Daima and the section at the Southern by-pass junction to ease traffic on the existing highway, A104. KeNHA also opened up lanes that were previously closed at Syokimau and Mlolongo areas.
On Tuesday, October 19, the agency further opened previously closed sections between Mlolongo and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Diversions were built at the Haile Sellasie and University of Nairobi (UoN) Roundabouts to pave way for works in that section.
Half of the newly built road from Westlands to James Gichuru Road was opened for public use as the contractor races to complete the highway by the end of October 2021.
“More sections will be opened towards the end of October 2021,” Director General, Engineer Kungu Ndung’u, announced.
Motorists were, nonetheless, cautioned to expect traffic snarl-ups at General Motors (GM) Roundabout where the agency is demolishing an old footbridge. A new footbridge was, however, opened for public use.
Traffic disruptions will also be witnessed at Bunyala Road Roundabout and University Way Roundabout.
“Motorists are urged to continue exercising caution and road courtesy which has helped us to manage traffic better,” Ndung’u advised.
