Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has unveiled plans to introduce legislation aimed at establishing toll stations on new highways to be constructed by the government.
The objective behind this move, according to the CS, is to generate revenue that will facilitate the maintenance of existing roads and the construction of new ones.
Murkomen highlighted that the government is grappling with a significant financing gap for infrastructural projects, amounting to billions of shillings.
Additionally, there is a challenge posed by pending bills totaling Sh150 billion for completed projects.
He mentioned that his ministry is currently drafting a Bill to pave the way for the implementation of this plan.
Although Murkomen did not specify the timeline for the submission of the Bill to Parliament or the completion of the new roads, he assured that progress is underway.
During an interaction with senators on Wednesday, Murkomen stated, “I will return to present a tolling Bill to be considered by Parliament for approval.”
“We will seek Parliament’s endorsement for legislation that allows major roads to generate revenue to support road expansion,” Murkomen added.
He emphasized that the introduction of toll charges on the proposed new major highways will aid in funding infrastructure projects outlined by the Ministry of Roads.
Murkomen disclosed that among the road projects designated to pioneer tolling are Athi River-Namanga Road, Galleria-Rongai-Ngong-Karen Shopping Centre, Sirare-Lowdar, Mombasa to Malaba, Makutano-Timau-Meru-Isiolo, and Corridor C and D roads such as Museum Hill-Moyale.
Furthermore, he clarified that individuals unwilling to pay toll fees would have the option to utilize alternative routes to reach their destinations.
