The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is proposing to reintroduce tolls on several major roads, including the Thika Superhighway, to fund road maintenance and construction. This move has ignited a heated debate across the country.

KeNHA argues that by charging tolls on specific roads, it can divert funds from the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) to building new roads. This approach, they claim, will improve the overall road network. Roads earmarked for potential tolling include the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Thika Superhighway, Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and Dongo Kundu Bypass.

However, the proposal has met with stiff opposition from various quarters. Public transport operators, particularly matatu owners, are concerned about increased costs. Economic experts warn that the success of tolling hinges on its implementation. Taxi drivers also fear the negative impact on their livelihoods.

Despite the criticism, KeNHA remains committed to public participation in developing the Road Tolling Policy. The authority insists that the revenue collected from tolls will be used exclusively for maintaining the respective roads.

The introduction of tolls comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with rising debt levels. The only currently tolled road is the Nairobi Expressway, a public-private partnership project.

The potential implications of tolling on the public, already burdened by high living costs and fuel prices, remain a significant concern.