Gov't revives plan to toll major roads; introduces Ksh.50K penalty

This is through the draft Roads Tolling Policy that seeks to implement road tolling as a method of raising extra revenue that will sustain road maintenance. 

According to the policy, tolling will be introduced on four types of roads; newly constructed roads, improved roads, those of a higher quality than untolled roads and where the government deems so in line with the law. 

In cases where a new toll road project lacks funds, the concept will be funded using taxes and loans. 

"Roads on which tolls are collected will not be required to have a dedicated toll-free alternative route," the policy read in part. 

To effect this, the government will develop a vehicle identification and registration system that will be linked to an automatic number plate recognition system. 

"Until a suitable free-flow tolling system is implemented, roads identified for tolling will be tolled by way of conventional Toll Charging Points and a prepaid payments system."

The charges will be based on several factors such as the cost of developing and maintaining the roads, the existence of an alternative route, relevant government policy objectives and the impact that different vehicle types have on the roads. 

The Transport CS and his Treasury counterpart will be responsible for determining the initial prices which will then be updated quarterly to account for inflation, exchange rate, tax changes, and economic growth among others. 

Penalty

Road users who fail to pay a toll fee attract a Ksh.50,000 fine a 6-month jail term or both. 

Discounts

Vehicles travelling short distances and passing a toll charging point on a toll road may be granted a discount to enable them to pay the charges in proportion to how frequently they use the road. 

No discounts will be provided for areas where an alternative route exists. 

Aside from frequent users of toll roads, electric vehicles and high-occupancy private vehicles will be eligible for discounts and incentives. 

Traffic Flow

Traffic flow will be a key element in determining how urban roads are tolled. To avoid congestion, roads that have a high volume of traffic will use other ways of charging such as a wireless system that automatically collects the fee (Electronic Toll Collection). 

Another way is through a system of Access Permits where drivers need a special permit or pass to use the road. 

The policy outlines that all tolling projects should go through public consideration to allow them to contribute to the decision-making process. 

Kenyans will be required to submit their comments on the policy beginning February 24, 2025, to March 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM.