The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has voiced its reservations to a government proposal to introduce toll charges on a major public road.
The plan is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that targets the Rironi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Summit corridor, a critical section of the Northern Corridor, and would require motorists to pay per kilometre driven, like the Nairobi Expressway system.
MAK argues that the tolling arrangement would impose an unfair financial burden on Kenyans.
The association points out that road users already pay high fuel taxes and vehicle-related levies, and adding toll fees would amount to double taxation.
“This is a double fleecing: the government takes your tax, then introduces a privateer to raid what little remains of your hard-earned money,” MAK stated.
The association estimates that a trip between Nairobi and Mau Summit could cost over KSh 3,000 in toll fees for private cars.
As per the statement, commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses would pay even more, affecting transport costs and small businesses.
MAK Question Transparency and Public Oversight
MAK has also raised concerns about the transparency of the PPP process.
In the statement, MAK claimed that delays in expanding key highways may have been deliberate, creating justification for private sector involvement.
“Despite increased tax revenues and a growing number of registered vehicles, road infrastructure has remained underdeveloped.”
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MAK believes this has contributed to congestion and safety risks, which could have been avoided with timely public investment.
“The mandarins who draw salaries from the people are in bed with future toll operators, complicit in grand policy against the very citizens they swore to protect,” read the statement.
Local Solutions and National Ownership
The association of motorists advocates for Kenyan-led infrastructure development.
They argue that the country has the materials, manpower, and professional expertise to build and maintain roads without relying on foreign investors.
MAK also calls for a citizen-driven approach, inspired by the spirit of Harambee.
Call to Defend Public Roads
In addition, the association urged officials promoting the tolling agenda to step aside.
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The government has already commenced plans for the dualization of the Rironi-Mau Summit road as part of its commitment to expanding the crucial corridor that connects Nairobi to Western Kenya, the Rift Valley region, and neighboring countries.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on the proposed dualling, Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir stressed the importance of the corridor, describing it as a major artery that links the capital to Uganda, the democratic Republic of Congo, and other neighboring countries.
“The Northern Corridor is a strategic artery that links Nairobi to Western Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond,” stated Chirchir.
The expansion is expected to be undertaken through a PPP arrangement. Perennial traffic congestion and road accidents have in the past piled pressure on the government, with users and stakeholders calling for its expansion.
In response, President William Ruto assured that construction of the long-awaited Rironi-Mau Summit Road would commence in August 2025. But the proposal has sparked questions surrounding the transparency of the PPP deals and potential tolling. If completed, the road stretching over 175 kilometers is expected to ease congestion and reduce the time taken to transport goods to Western Kenya and countries neighboring the country to the West.
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