The government has announced plans to introduce tolling as a key strategy for financing road infrastructure development and maintenance.
Speaking during a public participation forum at ACK Holy Trinity Grace Conference Hall in Kericho on Tuesday, Engineer Mike Gumbi of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority noted that reliance on borrowing to fund roads was unsustainable due to the country’s rising debt, which has exceeded the 67% debt-to-GDP threshold.
The government aims to reduce this to 55% by 2028 and is turning to alternative funding sources, including tolling and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
During the event, Eng. Gumbi explained that tolling would provide a steady revenue stream for road construction and maintenance, ensuring sustainability without overburdening taxpayers.
He cited the success of the Nairobi Expressway, which was built through a PPP model, as proof that toll roads could significantly improve road quality, reduce congestion, and enhance travel efficiency.
The forum, which gathered stakeholders from various sectors, including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHa), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), among other state agencies, also provided an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions on the proposed tolling policy.
There is also a need to expand the existing major road network in the country, especially the Mombasa -Nairobi highway, the Nakuru Eldoret Malaba Highway, Athi River Namanga, Kisumu- Busia, Nairobi- Karen- Ngong, Nairobi -Thika-Nyeri among others, Eng. Gumbi said.
Andrew Bett, Chair of Soin Sugar Company, raised concerns over the condition of roads in his area, particularly the Soliat-Motero Road, Chemaluk-Kapsorok Road, and Cheramor Road.
“Some roads in Soliat Ward remain in poor condition while others are prioritized. We need clarity on how this policy will address rural road development as well,” Bett stated.
In response, Eng. Gumbi reassured participants that the policy would prioritise high-traffic corridors while also considering the needs of underserved regions.
He emphasized that toll revenue would be used exclusively for road maintenance and upgrades, with clear guidelines to ensure transparency and public accountability, adding that this would be subjected to public participation before implementation.
The tolling policy will establish a pricing framework based on factors such as road maintenance costs, traffic volumes, and affordability for road users.
Eng. Gumbi noted that certain vehicles, including ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks, would be exempted from toll payments to ensure uninterrupted emergency services.
To address concerns about affordability, the government is also considering measures such as toll subsidies and discounts for frequent road users.
Eng. Gumbi added that alternative routes would remain available for motorists who would prefer not to use toll roads.
“Private sector investment will play a crucial role in the implementation of the tolling system. The government is encouraging Public-Private Partnerships to help finance road construction, reducing pressure on public funds while maintaining fair toll rates for motorists,” he said.
Eng. Gumbi further called for continued public engagement, stating that input from citizens and stakeholders would be vital in refining the final draft policy.
The tolling policy is expected to undergo further review and consultations before being submitted for Cabinet approval. Additional public forums will be held across all 47 counties in the coming months to gather more feedback from citizens.
By Dominic Cheres and Kelox Mutai
