Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has vowed to oppose plans by President William Ruto’s administration to introduce tolls on various roads across the country.
Speaking on Sunday, August 18, 2024, Kalonzo reprimanded the Kenya Kwanza administration insisting that it cannot introduce tolls on roads they have not built.
Kalonzo argued that plans to compel motorists to pay to use Thika Super Highway will go against the reason why the late Mwai Kibaki’s administration built the road.
Kalonzo who served in Kibaki’s administration stated that Thika Super Highway was not only conceived to ease transport but also allow faster transportation of farm produce from various areas neighbouring the city.
The Azimio la Umoja co-principal thus challenged President Ruto to build new roads and then introduce tolls.
Kalonzo who was accompanied by other Azimio leaders indicated that he would lobby the Members of Parliament to reject the move if it were introduced through parliament.
“We know that these people are desperate, they cannot wait to raid people’s pockets again. I know they want to introduce road tolls. Well, I want to tell Ruto and his people, if you want to bring road tolls again please go and build your own roads, not the ones that Kibaki and Uhuru (Kenyatta) built,” Kalonzo stated.
“So if you introduce toll on Thika Super Highway, you are raiding the people’s pockets. So we will reject that,” he insisted.
Tolling plan
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is proposing to introduce toll fees on some of the country’s major roads, despite President William Ruto’s campaign pledge not to introduce such charges.
Motorists plying Thika Superhighway, Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit, Dongo Kundu Bypass and the Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road will be required to pay toll rates if the policy is adopted.
The authority however pledged to conduct extensive public participation before adopting the tolling policy in the country.
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— Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) (@KeNHAKenya) August 13, 2024
1/3 In future, if a Tolling Policy is passed after public participation, and a number of projects are successfully tolled, the Authority will allocate the revenue generated from such road tolls to maintain the same roads. pic.twitter.com/LK00Ewp3Fz
“The Authority assures the public that this policy will be developed with extensive public participation to ensure that all voices are heard. Once the Policy is finalized, it will guide which roads will be tolled,” KeNHA stated.
According to KeNHA, if the tolling policy is adopted the money collected would contribute to the repayment of loans used to fund major road projects.
“This will free money collected from road levy for the construction of new roads, expanding our network and improving connectivity across the country. Through this approach, KeNHA is committed to creating a safer, more efficient road system for all Kenyans,” it added.
The Nairobi Expressway is an example of a tolled road in the country.
