Matatus, trucks among vehicles targeted in planned road toll fees
Chirchir explained that the classification of vehicles subject to toll fees would be reviewed periodically based on economic factors and technological advancements.
The government has released a list of 12 vehicle categories that will be subjected to toll fees on select highways under a new draft Road Tolling Policy.
This comes after Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced the tolling plan on Wednesday, as part of a broader strategy to fund the construction and maintenance of key roads.
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He stated that the policy was necessary to bridge financial gaps caused by budgetary constraints.
The affected vehicles include passenger cars, pick-ups, light trucks, medium trucks, large buses, heavy trucks, and articulated trucks.
Public service vehicles such as matatus and minibuses, as well as rickshaws (tuk-tuks), will also be charged when using toll roads.
CS Chirchir explained that the classification of vehicles subject to toll fees would be reviewed periodically based on economic factors and technological advancements. He also clarified that not all vehicle categories would be tolled on every road.
"The application of these classes may be adapted for specific roads. Not all vehicle classes need necessarily to be tolled, and classes may be grouped if appropriate and justifiable from an economic point of view," he stated.
Exempted vehicles
The draft policy exempts four categories of vehicles from toll charges: military vehicles and equipment, police vehicles and equipment, ambulances, and fire service vehicles.
However, Chirchir noted that these vehicles could still face access restrictions on toll roads during periods of heavy traffic or maintenance work.
Additionally, exempted vehicles must obtain a valid electronic tag to claim their exemption.
In emergencies, police, ambulance, and fire service vehicles will be allowed to pass through toll stations without delay, even if they lack the required tag.
The Ministry of Transport has initiated a public participation process on the draft Road Tolling Policy.
Speaking on February 3, 2025, during a meeting with the Technical Working Group overseeing its implementation, Transport Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua emphasised the urgency of public consultations before the policy is finalised.
The move follows a High Court ruling on January 21, 2025, that lifted previous orders blocking the tolling of five major highways.
With the legal hurdles cleared, the government is now focused on refining the policy and determining the next steps for implementation.
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