4 vehicle categories exempted from paying toll fees on Rironi-Mau Summit Highway
By Aloys Michael, October 26, 2025The government has announced that at least four vehicle categories will be exempted from paying tolls on the upcoming Rironi-Mau Summit Highway.
In a notice released on Sunday, October 26, 2025, through the Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), it was stated that ambulances, military and police vehicles, as well as local traffic for residents living along the highway, will either be charged lower toll fees or be fully exempt from payment.
“Tolling applies to new or substantially upgraded highways that carry high volumes of passenger and freight traffic and corridors vital to trade and connectivity,” the notice read in part.
“Each project follows a structured process: feasibility appraisal, environmental and social assessment, public participation, competitive procurement, and final approval by the PPP Committee.”
Also watch: Residents reject Toll charges on Rironi–Mau Summit expressway.
The directorate has further assured that the toll rates of the road will not be fixed, but instead will be reviewed and adjusted regularly based on the economic trends in the country.
Tolling charges
Additionally, the toll proceedings, according to the directorate, will cater for 24-hour patrols, lighting, and rescue services/paramedic services financed from toll proceeds.
The notice comes after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) revealed that a proposal has been tabled for motorists to be charged Ksh8 per kilometre to use the expressway, something that has sparked public uproar.
According to KeNHA, the expressway will feature eight toll stations and implement an open tolling system, whereby motorists will pay for the distance travelled.
Also watch: Nyoro opposes toll charges on Rironi–Mau summit road
The base toll rate was proposed by the consortium of China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Board of Trustees, who were selected as the Preferred Proponent for the project.
“Based on comparative assessment, the Evaluation Committee concluded that China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) & National Social Security Fund Trustees (NSSF) align with the Contracting Authority’s Output Specifications and PPP Act Cap 430 requirements with a proposed toll rate of Ksh 8 per Km with a 1 per cent escalation rate per annum,” the authority said.
The 175km road will feature 15 interchanges, eight footbridges, 25km of service lanes, eight wildlife crossings, 41 U-turns, 41 underpasses, and 118 bus bays.
The directorate has noted that the tolling of the road will be fundamental for traffic management and maintenance of the road, which is expected to reduce vehicle operating costs.