Kenyans will soon have to pay to use major roads and highways in the country according to Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
While speaking during the launch of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) 2023 to 2027 strategic plan, the CS stated that the government was keen on expanding roads in the country.
But because the current funding models for road maintenance will no longer be sufficient, the government must toll major highways to generate income for the roads.
“We must be innovative as a country if we are to ensure a quality and sustainable road network. The current funding models, including the Roads Maintenance Levy, will no longer be sufficient.
“The Public-Private Partnership model remains our key strategy in delivering cutting-edge infrastructural projects. We must find ways of tolling our main highways and transfer the benefits to Kenyans,” stated Murkomen.
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Murkomen Explains How Tolling Will be Implemented
According to the CS, the government already had a tolling benchmark from the expressway and it will therefore be easy to implement the move.
“The template is already there with what we did with the expressway.
“Properly delivered tolled roads will save Kenyans time and fuel. A healthier society can be nurtured by building quality infrastructure, and we shall be innovative in delivering this,” the CS noted
Further, he announced that some of the roads that will be affected as implementation begins will include Athi River to Namanga Road, Galleria, to Rongai to Ngong and Karen Road, as well as Kiambu Road.
“I believe that we can toll the road from Athi River to Namanga. I believe that is t is possible to toll the road from Galleria, to Rongai to Ngong and back to Karen shopping center.
“I believe also that it is possible for us to toll Kiambu road,” he explained.
Additionally, he noted that there will be provisions for those who will not be able to afford the toll fees to these roads.
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“The good news is that we have so many alternative routes along these corridors that those who do not wish to pay toll fees, we will give them those alternative roads.” added the CS.
Increase in Road Maintenance Levy Fund
At the same time, the CS hinted at an an upward review of the road maintenance levy fund adding that the coast of road maintenance has increased.
The funds at the moment are collected at Ksh18 per litre of petrol bought. The Kenya Roads Board had earlier suggested to increase the levy to Ksh23 per litre because of inflation.
“If you look at the money allocated to KeNHA in the Road Maintenance Levy, I can say without fear of contradiction that KeNHA in the next two years will not be able to fulfill its responsibilities.
“When I came to office I promised to save the people of Kenya from annuity roads, which are a rip-off. Delivering a 45km road under annuity, for instance, will cost Sh15 billion. To do the same length and standard of road under the normal contracting will cost Sh3 billion, including maintenance,” stated the CS.
