Government's decision to increase toll charges for usage of the Nairobi Expressway has attracted reactions from Kenyans, with one terming it a "cash cow."
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen approved the increase via a special gazette notice dated December 19.
He attributed the change to the depreciating shilling against the US dollar, which currently stands at Sh156.46.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 4B(3) of the Public Roads Tolls Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport approves the toll rates for the Nairobi Expressway as set out in the Schedule hereto," the notice reads.
Following the adjustment of the charges, the lowest motorists will part with to use the 27 km highway is Sh170 up from Sh120.
The highest charges have shot up from Sh310 to Sh500 for class 3 vehicles like saloon cars categorised as light vehicles with two axles.
Heavy vehicles will pay a maximum of up to Sh2,500 from the previous Sh1,550.
"Bwana waziri @kipmurkomen ,what is your justification for raising Expressway rates by 50%? " Alego Osonga MP Samuel Atandi said via his X handle.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai also questioned the rationale behind the hike in toll charges without seeking public approval.
"Why are the Expressway rates being raised without any public participation? he posed.
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi also weighed in on the matter, as did ODM Communication Director Philip Etale, who opined that the road has now been turned into a cash cow.
"Cash cow… They said Kenyans don’t eat roads, but they are comfortable feasting on them," he said.
The adjustments are part of government's policy to explore additional revenue streams and enhance tax revenues by Sh600 billion.
Two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles are prohibited to use the Expressway.
Charges for Class 3 vehicles (saloons) categorised as light vehicles with two axles is as follows for the following routes.
- Westlands to Mlolongo and Syokimau ----Sh500
- Westlands to JKIA and Easter Bypass ----Sh410
- Westlands to Southern Bypass ----Sh330
- Westlands to Haile Selassie and Capital Centre ----Sh250
- Westlands to Museum Hill -----Sh170
Light vehicles with two axles and high bonnets (Class 4) will pay 1.5 times more.
Heavy vehicles with fewer than four axles (Class 5) will pay four times more.
Heavy vehicles with four or more axles (Class 6) will pay five times.