Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has weighed in on Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi’s proposal to introduce toll charges on major public roads. 

In a statement shared via his official X account, the senator disputed the proposal noting that the state should construct new roads to charge. 

He equally warned that any attempt to introduce toll fees on already existing roads will be met with resistance. 

“Build new roads and toll them, if you attempt to charge the existing roads we will resist,” he said. 

CS Mbadi had earlier defended his sentiments noting that citizens should be charged for services. 

He went on to explain that the tolling system should be structured in a way that considers road usage. 

“I am for tolling roads. People should be charged for services. We must look at the way we structure our payment so that those who use the roads pay. 

“There is already Road Maintenance Levy, so this tolling should be structured in a way that we are also fair to citizens, and there should be equitability and fairness. So if I’m using the road more, I should pay more than the person who uses it less. So the tolling should be done but not in a way that hurts Kenyans,” he said. 

Mbadi also emphasised how crucial it is to provide drivers options. He pointed out that many Kenyans value convenience and recommended that toll roads provide quicker travel times.

“People should have an alternative, if you are tolling, I should have an alternative, some people want convenience. I have been saying that we should not be stuck in traffic when going to our homes in December, some can take up to a day. “I should for example have a road that is meant for me, I will pay even Ksh400 but I will be at home in the next four hours and enjoy my fish from the lake when it is still fresh,” the CS said.

“What I’m saying is if we have a system where we develop these roads, with alternatives, the majority would prefer convenience. And by the way, we will develop the roads.”