Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that motorists will pay toll fees upon completion of the dualling of the Mombasa - Nairobi Highway with plans to extend it to Malaba.
Speaking during an interview at a local radio station in Mombasa on Wednesday, the CS detailed that plans were underway to dual the highway that has been affected by traffic jams.
He stated that the road project would be under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) which is being adopted globally and was used for the construction of the Nairobi Expressway.
In the new project, private investors will dual the road with their own money and recoup the capital by charging toll fees.
"We also have plans to dual the Mombasa - Nairobi Highways which will run to Malaba through PPP. However, there will be payment for toll stations depending on the vehicle you are using," he stated.
"That is the global way of doing it. You will pay that extra Ksh1,000 that you would have used on fuel when there is a jam. You will probably save Ksh3,000 in fuel costs because you will get to Nairobi much faster."
Regarding the timelines for the project, he indicated that various companies have already made their proposals to the government and are currently being reviewed by KeNHA.
Upon completion of the review, the proposals will then be taken to the Treasury before the construction commences.
The mega project has attracted several foreign companies including from the US and South Korea.
It is estimated that the road project will cost around Ksh300 billion.
The CS also addressed concerns over the rising road carnages which he indicated would be addressed with a new law set to be made public in due course.
Among the changes, he hinted would be made include the introduction of protective guard rails on all lorries and trailers.
This is aimed at mitigating the impact of a vehicle hitting heavy-duty vehicles from behind.
