Kenya: KeNHA Backs Road Tolling for Loan Repayments, Fund Projects

14 August 2024

Nairobi Kenya — The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) is proposing the Road Tolling Policy that will help the country repay loans used to fund major road projects and fund new ones.

Already, KeNHA has proposed a tolling policy on the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Thika Superhighway, Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and Dongo Kundu Bypass, among others.

The authority, in a statement, said if the policy passes, it will allocate the revenue generated from such road tolls to maintain the same roads.

"This will free money collected from road levy for construction of new roads, expanding our network and improving connectivity across the country. Through this approach, KeNHA is committed to creating a safer, more efficient road system for all Kenyans," said the Authority.

KeNHA has, however, assured thorough and extensive public participation in the proposed Road Tolling Policy in efforts to ensure all voices are heard.

The Authority said it is in talks to introduce the tolls on several highways, and once it is finalised, it will guide which roads will be tolled.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority appreciates the ongoing discussion around the development of a Road Tolling Policy. KeNHA remains committed to transparency and inclusivity throughout this process and will continue to engage with the public at every stage," the authority said.

Former Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen hinted at plans by the government to consider introducing toll charges across several highways in February.

Murkomen revealed the process will see the government spending Sh700M to roll out the project.

He argued that the road development plan to cover 10,000 kilometres released in 2013 did not incorporate maintenance aspects.

The tolling of major highways was part of KeNHA's 2023-27 Strategic Plan that is already in force.

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