COFEK Moves to Block Proposed Sh8-Per-Kilometre Toll on Nairobi-Nakuru Highway

Jukwaa

📻 Breaking It Down

The petition targets the proposed tolling of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit and Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha highways, key transport corridors that connect Nairobi to the Rift Valley and western Kenya.

COFEK argues that the planned tolling framework should be halted pending the determination of its constitutional petition, raising concerns over the legality and implications of introducing additional charges for motorists already burdened by high fuel prices, insurance costs and vehicle maintenance expenses.

However, the government has urged the court to dismiss the petition, arguing that the matter is already the subject of a parallel case before another court.

📌 What You Need to Know

State lawyers contend that allowing multiple cases challenging the same project could result in conflicting judicial decisions and amount to an abuse of the court process. They have therefore asked the court to strike out the petition and allow the existing proceedings to continue.

The proposed toll would see motorists pay Sh8 for every kilometre travelled on the affected road sections.

If implemented, the charges would apply to vehicles using the upgraded highway network as part of the government’s strategy to recover infrastructure investment costs while financing road maintenance and future expansion.

The roads form part of Kenya’s Northern Corridor, carrying thousands of passenger vehicles and heavy commercial trucks every day. They are considered among the country’s most economically significant transport routes, linking the Port of Mombasa to inland markets and neighbouring East African states.

The proposal has attracted mixed reactions from stakeholders.

Supporters argue that tolling provides a sustainable source of revenue for maintaining major highways without placing the entire financial burden on taxpayers.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

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