The Ministry of Transport has revealed plans to introduce toll charges on selected roads across the country as part of a broader initiative to improve road development and maintenance.
A draft Road Tolling Policy, released on Wednesday, February 12, outlines a proposal to impose charges on motorists using newly constructed roads and key highways.
Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Davis Chirchir explained that the decision to implement toll fees on major roads was driven by financial constraints and a shortage of funds needed for road construction and maintenance.
12 Vehicle Categories to Be Charged
According to the draft policy, 12 types of vehicles will be required to pay toll fees when using these roads. The list includes matatus and minibuses, which form a significant portion of public transport in Kenya. Other vehicles subject to toll charges include:
- Rickshaws (Three-wheelers)
- Passenger cars
- Pick-up trucks
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- Large buses
- Heavy trucks
- Articulated trucks
The CS emphasized that the classification of toll-paying vehicles will be periodically reviewed to accommodate advancements in vehicle technology and economic considerations.
Exemptions for Certain Vehicles
Despite the introduction of toll fees, some vehicles will be exempted from paying the charges. These include:
- Military vehicles and equipment
- Police vehicles and equipment
- Ambulances
- Fire service vehicles
CS Chirchir stated that while these categories of vehicles will not be required to pay toll fees, they will still need to obtain and present a valid tag to claim their exemption.
Additionally, he noted that in exceptional situations, such as traffic congestion or road maintenance, even exempted vehicles could be temporarily restricted from using toll roads.
However, during emergencies, police, ambulance, and fire service vehicles will be allowed to pass through toll gates without delay, even if they do not have the required tag.
Public Participation and Legal Developments
The government is now preparing to engage the public on the proposed tolling system before its implementation.
On February 3, Transport Principal Secretary (PS) Joseph Mbugua emphasized the need to expedite the public participation process. His remarks came during a meeting with the Technical Working Group responsible for implementing the Road Tolling Policy.
This announcement follows a significant High Court ruling on January 21, which lifted an earlier order that had halted the government’s plan to toll five major highways in Kenya.
With the legal hurdle now removed, the Ministry of Transport is moving forward with its plans to roll out the tolling system.
The implementation of this policy is expected to provide an alternative source of revenue for road infrastructure projects, ensuring the sustainability of Kenya’s road network.
Join Gen z and millennials TaskForce official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
