The Ministry of Transport has published a policy that will see the government introduce toll roads across the country.
In the policy published in February 2025, the Ministry explained that it was seeking to implement the tolling of roads to enable more infrastructure development amid strained government funding.
The Ministry added that the tolling system was already being implemented successfully on the Nairobi Expressway, hence the need to undertake similar projects under the Public-Private Partnership.
How Roads Will Be Identified
As outlined in the policy, tolls will be introduced on major roads that are newly constructed.
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Major roads that have been improved or are of higher quality than untolled roads will also be tolled in the new programme.
"Tolling will only be introduced where the projected cost of collection (including infrastructure costs) is less than 15% of projected revenue on a net present value basis, and where the economic benefits (including socio-economic impacts) outweigh the costs," read the policy in part.
"In case a new toll road project is economically desirable but not financially viable, the concept of Joint Construction would be considered which is a cooperation between general road operators using taxes and toll road operators using loans who develop the road by means of division of works."
Toll Charges
Various roads will have varying toll charges depending on a number of factors including the cost of developing, maintaining and rehabilitating the road network in addition to results from a survey done among users.
"Toll tariffs will be based on an assessment of evidence regarding users’ benefits from road use, including reduced vehicle operating costs and time saved from the use of toll roads and the existence of an alternative route," read the policy in part.
Discounts and Reliefs for Motorists
Motorists making short trips on the roads will be awarded discounts.
"Where financially and economically feasible, Toll Charging Points will be positioned so as to avoid tolling local vehicles making short local journeys," the Ministry stated.
"Local vehicles forced to pass a Toll Charging Point on a Toll Road in order to make a short local journey may be granted discounts to enable them to pay Toll Tariffs in proportion to their frequent use of the toll road. No discounts are necessary where a reasonable alternative route exists.
