An Extra Coin For Kenyans Using Nairobi Routes In Proposed Law

To raise the requisite money, the Treasury noted in the draft bill that toll levies would be imposed on highways with traffic.  

The National Assembly's Committee on Delegated Legislation approved the Public Finance Management (National Road Toll Fund) Regulations 2021.

If the bill passes, the government would put in place the Public Roadways Toll Act, Cap 407, which will serve as a guide for toll fees on roads within the Central Business District (CBD).

Thika superhighway, Nairobi-Nakuru, Nairobi-Mombasa, and the Southern Bypass are among the roadways targeted. Roads like Jogoo, Lang'ata, and Ngong will be targeted as well.

Initially, the government advocated using Public-Private Partnerships to impose toll payments only on new roadways (PPP).

To acquire the necessary maintenance costs, the Nairobi Expressway, which is soon to be commissioned, will contain toll stations at several entry and departure points.

The road will be managed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation for 27 years before being handed over to the Kenyan government.

Depending on the size of the car, drivers will be taxed between Ksh310 and Ksh 1,798. Kenyans driving saloon cars would be charged Ksh 310 every journey, while those driving light vehicles with two wheels and a high bonnet will be charged Ksh 465.

Heavy vehicle drivers will be charged Ksh 1,240, while those with more than four axles will be charged Ksh1, 798 including VAT.

Motorists passing through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway would have to pay between Ksh 100 and Ksh 150 to utilize the route.

Furthermore, the toll costs will be denominated in dollars to protect foreign enterprises from currency rate losses. The toll costs have been reinstated after the law was repealed in the mid-1990s in order to combat toll station corruption.