Motorists association warns govt against toll charges for major highway

The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has warned the government against introducing toll charges on the planned Rironi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Summit road, a major section of the Northern Corridor.

The proposal, which is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, would require motorists to pay per kilometre driven, similar to the Nairobi Expressway system.

In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, August 23, 2025, MAK argued that tolling would place an unfair financial burden on ordinary Kenyans who already shoulder high fuel taxes and multiple vehicle-related levies.

“This is a double fleecing: the government takes your tax, then introduces a privateer to raid what little remains of your hard-earned money,” the association said.

According to their estimates, a private car journey between Nairobi and Mau Summit could cost motorists more than Ksh3,000 in toll fees, while commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks would pay much higher charges. MAK warned this would raise transport costs and negatively affect small businesses that rely on road networks.

Transparency and accountability

Beyond cost implications, MAK questioned the transparency of the PPP process, suggesting delays in expanding key highways may have been deliberate to justify private sector entry.

“Despite increased tax revenues and a growing number of registered vehicles, road infrastructure has remained underdeveloped,” the association stated.

They added that congestion and road safety concerns could have been resolved earlier through timely public investment.

“The mandarins who draw salaries from the people are in bed with future toll operators, complicit in grand policy against the very citizens they swore to protect,” read the statement.

Local solutions needed

MAK further called for Kenyan-led road building initiatives, arguing that the country has sufficient resources, manpower, and expertise to expand and maintain highways without reliance on foreign investors.

The association emphasised a citizen-driven approach rooted in the spirit of Harambee and urged officials championing tolling plans to step aside.

Meanwhile, Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir defended the project, describing the Northern Corridor as a strategic artery linking Nairobi to Western Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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