Kalonzo to Ruto: Build New Roads Before Introducing Tolls

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has taken a firm stand against the Kenya Kwanza government’s proposal to introduce toll stations on key highways across the country. Speaking to the media in Embu on Sunday, Kalonzo expressed strong opposition to the government’s plan to impose toll fees on existing roads, particularly those constructed under former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) regarding the introduction of a tolling policy for select highways.

Kalonzo’s stance is clear: if the government is intent on implementing toll fees, they should first embark on building new infrastructure projects. “I want to tell Ruto and his people, if you want to bring road tolls again, please go build your own roads,” he asserted. “Not the ones that former late President Mwai Kibaki and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta built. And then you can introduce the toll.”

His remarks reflect a broader concern about the impact of toll fees on the daily lives of Kenyans. Kalonzo emphasized that the Thika Superhighway, one of the roads under consideration for tolling, was constructed to enhance the accessibility of the Mt. Kenya region. He argued that imposing toll fees on such a crucial route would place an undue financial burden on the people who rely on the highway for their livelihoods.

“So, we will reject it and if they take it to Parliament, call the legislators out,” Kalonzo added, signaling his intention to mobilize opposition to the tolling policy both within and outside the legislative assembly. As a key leader in the opposition, Kalonzo reiterated his commitment to holding the government accountable and ensuring that the needs and concerns of ordinary Kenyans are not overlooked.

The proposal to introduce toll fees has sparked considerable debate across the country. KeNHA, which is spearheading the development of the tolling policy, has assured the public that the process will be transparent and inclusive. The Authority has committed to extensive public participation to ensure that the policy reflects the views and needs of all stakeholders.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority appreciates the ongoing discussion around the development of a Road Tolling Policy. The Authority assures the public that this policy will be developed with extensive public participation to ensure that all voices are heard,” KeNHA stated in a press release on Tuesday.

KeNHA’s statement is an attempt to allay fears that the policy could be implemented without adequate input from the public. The Authority has indicated that the policy will only be rolled out after a thorough consultation process, during which the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback and express their concerns.

Among the roads currently under consideration for tolling are the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Thika Superhighway, Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and Dongo Kundu Bypass. These roads are vital arteries in Kenya’s transport network, and any decision to introduce tolls could have far-reaching economic and social implications.

KeNHA has emphasized its commitment to transparency and inclusivity throughout the policy development process. The Authority has pledged to continue engaging with the public at every stage, ensuring that the final policy is both fair and sustainable.

However, Kalonzo’s opposition highlights the broader challenges the government may face in implementing such a policy. The introduction of toll fees on existing roads, particularly those built under previous administrations, could be perceived as a move that unfairly targets ordinary Kenyans, many of whom are already grappling with the rising cost of living.

As discussions around the tolling policy continue, it is clear that the government will need to navigate these concerns carefully. Ensuring that the policy is well-communicated, fair, and backed by significant infrastructure development may be key to gaining public support and avoiding widespread opposition. Kalonzo’s warning to the Kenya Kwanza government is a reminder that the opposition will be closely monitoring the process, ready to challenge any measures that they believe could harm the interests of the people.