KeNHA to Introduce Tolls on six major roads including Thika Road: Public Input to Shape the Future

Driving on some of Kenya’s busiest highways could soon come at a cost, as the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) pushes forward with plans to introduce tolls on several major roads. The initiative, which aims to fund critical road development and maintenance, has sparked widespread discussion and debate.

Key routes being considered for tolling include the Thika Superhighway, Nairobi Southern Bypass, and the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway. Additionally, Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and Dongo Kundu Bypass are on the list of roads that could soon see toll booths.

KeNHA has assured the public that no tolls will be implemented without extensive public participation. “We want to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard before any final decisions are made,” said a KeNHA spokesperson. Public forums are expected to be announced soon, where citizens will have the opportunity to express their views and concerns.

The idea of tolling highways was first floated in February by then Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. At the time, Murkomen, who has since moved to the Sports Ministry, revealed that the government was prepared to invest Ksh700 million to roll out the tolling system. He argued that while the 2013 road development plan successfully laid down 10,000 kilometers of road, it neglected the crucial aspect of maintenance.

As the country braces for possible changes to its road usage, the upcoming public participation forums are set to be a battleground for opinions on whether tolling is the right solution for Kenya's road infrastructure challenges. With the potential for tolls to significantly impact daily commuters and transport costs, the nation will be watching closely as these discussions unfold.