Motorists association opposes govt’s move to toll key highways

The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has opposed the government’s plan to introduce toll fees on major highways, warning that the move could impose heavy financial pressure on drivers and transport operators.

The association said the plan would turn public roads into profit zones for private concessionaires, leaving motorists “at the mercy of foreign investors”.

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In a statement issued on Saturday, October 25, 2025, MAK questioned the government’s transparency in the proposed tolling agreements for key national routes, including the Rironi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha, Nakuru–Mau Summit, and Eldoret–Malaba highways.

“Kenyans are already struggling with high fuel prices and multiple road-related levies, and this tolling plan will only worsen the cost of living,” the association said.

Burden on motorists

According to the association, toll charges will not only affect private car owners but also increase fares for passengers and transport costs for goods.

The group cautioned that once foreign concessionaires gain control, toll rates could be adjusted without public input, making transport unaffordable for ordinary Kenyans.

“The government is double-taxing Kenyans who have already paid for these roads through fuel levies and motor vehicle taxes,” the association said, calling for a review of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy to ensure it “does not exploit road users.”

Call for transparency

MAK further demanded that the Ministry of Roads and the Treasury disclose the full details of the tolling contracts before implementation.

“Some deals may contain clauses that restrict the development of alternative free roads, forcing Kenyans to rely solely on tolled highways,” the statement noted.

The association urged Parliament to re-examine the terms of these agreements to safeguard public interest, arguing that essential infrastructure should remain under state control.

“The government should prioritise road maintenance and expansion using taxes already collected rather than outsourcing these services to private operators,” MAK said.

The MAK statement comes a day after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced that the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Road would be tolled at Ksh 8 per kilometre, with a 1% annual escalation rate, under a public-private partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).