•Public Participation Forums Launched as Kenya Shifts to Alternative Road Financing Models
The Kenyan government has unveiled a new tolling policy aimed at financing road infrastructure development and maintenance, as it seeks to reduce reliance on borrowing amid mounting public debt.
The policy, which is expected to introduce toll charges on select highways, will be a key strategy in ensuring sustainable road funding while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
During a public participation forum held at ACK Holy Trinity Grace Conference Hall in Kericho on Tuesday, Engineer Mike Gumbi of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) emphasized the urgency of adopting alternative financing mechanisms.
He pointed out that Kenya’s rising debt, which has surpassed the 67% debt-to-GDP threshold, is unsustainable, and the government is committed to lowering it to 55% by 2028.
“To achieve this, we must move away from heavy borrowing and explore alternative funding models such as tolling and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs),” Eng. Gumbi stated.
How Tolling Will Work: A Sustainable Revenue Model
Tolling is expected to create a steady revenue stream dedicated to road construction and maintenance, ensuring that Kenya’s major highways remain in good condition without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers.
The model, which has already been successfully implemented on the Nairobi Expressway through a PPP arrangement, will be expanded to cover other major roads.
Eng. Gumbi cited the Nairobi Expressway as an example of how tolling can improve road quality, ease congestion, and enhance travel efficiency.
He noted that similar projects will be considered for high-traffic corridors, including:
- Mombasa–Nairobi Highway
- Nakuru–Eldoret–Malaba Highway
- Athi River–Namanga Road
- Kisumu–Busia Road
- Nairobi–Karen–Ngong Road
- Nairobi–Thika–Nyeri Highway
He assured stakeholders that the government would prioritize roads with high traffic volumes while also considering the needs of underserved regions.
Public Concerns: Rural Roads and Transparency in Toll Revenue Use
The forum brought together representatives from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and other state agencies, along with members of the public and business stakeholders.
The session provided an opportunity for open dialogue on the impact of tolling.Andrew Bett, chair of Soin Sugar Company, raised concerns about the state of rural roads, particularly in Soliat Ward.
He highlighted roads such as Soliat-Motero, Chemaluk-Kapsorok, and Cheramor, which remain in poor condition despite repeated calls for improvements.
“Some roads in Soliat Ward remain in poor condition while others are prioritized. We need clarity on how this policy will address rural road development as well,” Bett stated.
In response, Eng. Gumbi reassured participants that the tolling policy would not only focus on high-traffic roads but would also consider equitable road development across all regions.
He emphasized that revenue collected from toll roads would be exclusively used for road maintenance and upgrades, with strict accountability measures to prevent misuse.
“All toll collections will be subject to public transparency guidelines, and before implementation, the policy will go through further public participation to ensure inclusivity,” he added.
Key Features of the Tolling Policy
The government’s proposed tolling policy includes several key provisions:
- Transparent Pricing Framework – Toll charges will be based on road maintenance costs, traffic volume, and affordability to ensure fairness for road users.
- Exemptions for Emergency Services – Vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks will not be subject to toll charges to ensure uninterrupted emergency response.
- Alternative Routes Available – Motorists who choose not to use toll roads will still have access to alternative routes to maintain fairness.
- Subsidies for Frequent Users – To address affordability concerns, the government is considering toll discounts or subsidies for regular road users.
- Encouraging Private Investment – The policy seeks to attract private sector investment through PPPs to help finance road construction, reducing pressure on public funds while ensuring reasonable toll rates.
What’s Next? More Public Consultations Before Cabinet Approval
Eng. Gumbi stressed that public engagement remains a priority, with additional forums planned across all 47 counties to gather more input from citizens and stakeholders. The feedback collected will be used to refine the final draft of the tolling policy before it is submitted for Cabinet approval.
“The implementation of this policy will be guided by the voices of the people. We invite all Kenyans to participate in the discussions and share their views so that we can develop a system that works for everyone,” he said.
As Kenya grapples with the challenge of maintaining and expanding its road network in a sustainable manner, the tolling policy represents a shift toward self-reliant infrastructure financing.
While concerns remain over fairness and affordability, the government’s commitment to transparency and public participation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Kenya’s road transport sector.
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