KeNHA Plans to Toll Thika Superhighway and 5 Other Highways

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced its plan to introduce tolls on six major highways, including the heavily trafficked Thika Road.

This move is part of a broader strategy to fund road development and maintenance through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The tolling plan will encompass several key highways beyond Thika Road, including the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Mombasa Road, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, and the Nairobi-Nanyuki Road. These highways are critical for both commuter traffic and the transport of goods across the country.

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KeNHA's tolling initiative is expected to raise significant funds for infrastructure projects, with projections indicating that billions could be generated annually. These funds will be crucial for sustaining and upgrading the road network, which has been strained by increased vehicle usage and insufficient government funding.

The introduction of tolls, however, will likely increase the cost of commuting and transporting goods. Businesses relying on these routes may face higher operational costs, potentially leading to increased prices for consumers. For regular commuters, daily travel expenses could rise significantly, depending on the toll rates set.

The tolling of these highways is seen as a necessary step to address the growing infrastructure needs of Kenya. The government, through KeNHA, aims to attract private investment into the road sector, easing the burden on public finances. However, this approach also raises concerns about the affordability of road use for everyday Kenyans, particularly in the context of an economy already grappling with high living costs.

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"The Kenya National Highways Authority appreciates the ongoing discussion around the development of a Road Tolling Policy. The Authority assures the public that this Policy will be developed with extensive public participation to ensure that all voices are heard," KeNHA announced.

As this plan moves forward, it will be important to monitor its impact on both the economy and the daily lives of Kenyans. The balance between raising funds for infrastructure and ensuring affordable road access will be critical to the plan's success.

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