Government Revives Road Tolls

The government has revived its plan to introduce tolling on major roads; a game changer that will impact the country's economic development.
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.

"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.

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.

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

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.