Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday, July 13, revealed that the Kenyan taxpayer will bear the cost of Ksh705 million (USD 5 million) in damages to Nairobi Expressway.
Speaking during the inspection of the Mlolongo toll station, the CS detailed that the government would have to pay the operator in the next 28 days as contained in the contract between the operator and the government.
The damages were incurred during the recent protests that took place on Wednesday along the 27-kilometer stretch of the elevated road.
The CS claimed that the money would be refunded by those who organised and took part in the destruction of various equipment on the Expressway.
"The damage done on the Nairobi Expressway during the demonstrations could be anything up to 5 million dollars (Ksh705 million). Under the agreement, Kenyans must pay for the damage within 28 days," he stated.
"We will ensure all those who organised the mass action will personally pay for every damage caused. For every penny that will be paid from the exchequer, they will be asked to repay the people of Kenya."
As a first step, Murkomen detailed that 50 people had been apprehended in connection with the Expressway damages. He noted that the CCTV camera on the highway came in handy during the investigations.
Some of the equipment that was destroyed during the Tuesday demos included the flower pots and metallic guard rails.
"We want to assure the investors that the government is going to do everything to make sure that all the perpetrators are brought to justice.
"Those planning to cause damage again will meet the full force of the law. We will make it very painful for them, not just now but for the rest of their lives," he stated.
Further, Murkomen added that they were still investigating damages done to other government infrastructure before a full report is issued.
Following the damages sections of the Expressway toll station were closed with the most affected stations being SGR, Syokimau and Mlolongo.
"Motorists plying the Westlands-Mlolongo route to exit from JKIA and Mlolongo-Westlands bound motorists to safely join the Nairobi Expressway from JKIA Toll Station," motorists were directed.
