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The Motorists Association of Kenya has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the rescission of its decision to introduce tolling stations on additional roads within Kenya.
Led by chairperson Peter Murima, the association expressed concern that the government’s decision lacked provision for those unable to pay toll fees, effectively limiting access to crucial road infrastructure.
Contrary to the association’s stance, Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen clarified that toll stations would be constructed exclusively on new roads, not on existing highways. It remained uncertain whether the association was aware of the CS’s clarification.
Nonetheless, Murima emphasized the potential inconvenience and destabilization tolling more roads could bring to the transport sector, arguing that it would lead to excessive taxation for infrastructure.
The association highlighted concerns over potential congestion on feeder roads if motorists opted to avoid toll routes. Murima stressed the importance of offering alternatives to toll roads to ensure freedom of mobility for motorists.
In response, Murkomen was urged to reconsider the tolling plan to avert potential protests by operator. Murkomen reiterated the government’s intention to construct toll stations solely on new highways, emphasizing the opportunity for local investment through pension funds, financial institutions, and the stock exchange during an interview with one media outlet on January 2.
Murkomen emphasized the potential revenue from tolls as a means to supplement government budgets and enhance infrastructure investment. Earlier announcements on January 26 hinted at toll station plans for various roads, including Museum Hill-Moyale, Sirare-Lowdar, Mombasa to Malaba, Kiambu, Athi River-Namanga, and Galleria-Rongai-Ngong-Karen Shopping Centre, aimed at generating funds for road repairs
