The Kenyan government is set to expand its toll road network in a bid to bridge infrastructure budget shortfalls, according to a new Draft Tolling Policy prepared by the Ministry of Transport. This policy proposes introducing toll charges on newly constructed roads, crossings requiring multiple modes of transport, and even on roads that have been significantly improved from their previous standards.
Currently, only the Nairobi Expressway is tolled, but this is set to change as the government looks to increase revenue streams for road maintenance and development. Major highways earmarked for tolling include the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, and Thika Superhighway. Additionally, the Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road and the Dongo Kundu Bypass in Mombasa will also attract toll charges.
The policy outlines that roads with at least 5,000 vehicles per day and a significant volume of freight traffic will be prioritized for tolling. Unlike previous tolling considerations, the new framework eliminates the requirement for toll-free alternative routes. This means all road users will be subject to toll fees without an alternative option.
“Toll roads will not be required to have dedicated toll-free alternative routes,” the draft policy states. This marks a shift from previous policies that allowed motorists to choose between toll and free roads.
The government has indicated that tolling will be implemented through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Under this arrangement, private investors will finance, construct, and maintain the roads in exchange for toll revenues. A similar framework was used in the construction of the Nairobi Expressway by China Road and Bridge Corporation, which has been lauded as a self-financing infrastructure success.
To mitigate potential public resistance, the government has suggested a phased implementation of tolling, as well as the possibility of discounts for frequent users. Additionally, toll operators will be authorized to impose penalties on vehicles that evade toll payments and collaborate with law enforcement to fine overloaded vehicles.
The revenue collected from tolling will be channeled into major road projects such as the dualization of the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit route and the construction of the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway. According to Transport CS Davis Chirchir, this initiative seeks to replicate the success of the Nairobi Expressway and ensure sustainable funding for Kenya’s road infrastructure.
As Kenya moves towards tolling more highways, public sentiment and the impact on commuters and businesses will be key factors to watch. The shift signals a major transformation in how road infrastructure is financed in the country, with user fees playing an increasingly significant role.
