The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to introduce toll charges on all highways across the country.
Initially, in August 2024, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) proposed tolling only select major highways. However, the Ministry has now expanded the plan to cover the entire road network.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, February 20, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir invited Kenyans to participate in public consultations, assuring that their opinions would be considered in the final decision.
The CS has invited Kenyans to share their opinion through public participation from Monday, February 24, 2025.
An artistic impression of the proposed Nairobi – Mombasa dual carriage.
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KeNHA
According to the Ministry, the new Draft Tolling Policy, currently under discussion, aims to introduce toll charges on all highways nationwide as part of a broader strategy to bridge infrastructure budget shortfalls.
In the policy published in February 2025, the Ministry explained that the tolling system was already being implemented successfully on the Nairobi Expressway, therefore the need to undertake similar projects under the Public-Private Partnership.
The ministry argues that the tolling is important because poor quality of transport infrastructure is a key constraint on Kenya’s economic potential.
“In that regard, and noting that the transport infrastructure is capital intensive, this Policy is an important tool developed to provide a stream of additional funds directly from the road users cost-effectively and equitably,” the policy reads in part.
Unlike previous tolling models, there will be no toll-free alternative routes, meaning all users will be required to pay.
“Roads, where tolls are collected, will not be required to have dedicated toll-free alternative routes,” the draft policy continues.
With the new policy by the ministry, Kenyans using all highways will have to pay. The charges will vary depending on the cost of developing, maintaining, and rehabilitating the road network in addition to results from a survey done among users.
According to the ministry, the funds collected will be used to fund critical road projects such as the dualling of the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit route and the construction of the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway.
The toll policy will be reviewed every 10 years from its effective date by the office of the Cabinet Secretary responsible for roads.
A section of the Nairobi Expressway in Westlands, Nairobi County.
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Moja Expressway