Transport CS Murkomen Announces Government Plans to Implement Fees for Usage of Major Nairobi Roads

 

Kipchumba Murkomen: Photo/Courtesy

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announces upcoming toll fees for major roads in Kenya.

• The government aims to expand major roads and implement a road toll model for road users.

• Murkomen praises the public-private funding model used for the Nairobi Expressway.

• Specific roads mentioned for tolling include Athiriver to Namanga, Galleria to Rongai to Ngong, and Kiambu Road.

• Alternative routes will be provided for those unable or unwilling to pay toll fees.

• Murkomen hints at a potential increase in the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, currently at Ksh.18 per litre, to address rising maintenance costs.

• Concerns raised about the Kenya National Highways Authority's ability to meet road maintenance responsibilities with the current budget allocation.

• Citizens face the responsibility of supporting the government's efforts to raise Ksh.708 billion for road infrastructure improvement over the next five years.

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Major roads in the country will soon require a toll fee for usage, according to Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen. 

Murkomen disclosed this information during the launch of the Kenya National Highways Authority strategic plan for 2023 to 2027 on Friday. The government, aiming to expand major roads, also plans to implement a road toll model for road users.

During the announcement, Murkomen praised the public-private funding model applied to the Nairobi Expressway and emphasized the intention to introduce tolls on various frequently traveled roads. 

He specifically mentioned tolling the road from Athiriver to Namanga, Galleria to Rongai to Ngong, and back to Karen Shopping Centre, as well as the possibility of expanding and tolling Kiambu Road.

While acknowledging the potential financial burden on citizens, Murkomen assured that alternative routes would be provided for those unable or unwilling to pay toll fees along specific corridors. 

Additionally, he hinted at a potential increase in the Road Maintenance Levy Fund due to the rising costs of road maintenance. The fund, currently set at Ksh.18 per litre and collected at the pump, could see an adjustment to Ksh.23 per litre.

Murkomen highlighted the challenges faced by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) in meeting its responsibilities for road maintenance within the current budget allocation of 40%. 

The CS expressed concern that, without additional funding, KeNHA might struggle to maintain roads to the established standards in the coming two years.

The looming introduction of tolls on major roads and a potential rise in the road maintenance levy fund places a financial responsibility on citizens to support the government's efforts to raise the required Ksh.708 billion for improving the road infrastructure network over the next five years, as indicated by KeNHA.