Transporters oppose state plan to toll more highways

Transporters have expressed strong opposition to a government plan to put more roads under tolling.

The Kenya National Highways Authority last week revealed a plan to charge motorists for road use to raise funds for construction and maintainance of the road network.

The state says it needs Sh5.146 trillion to enhance connectivity and maintain 69 per cent of the roads in the next 10 years.

However, the projected available budget is only Sh1.096 trillion. Matatu Owners Association president Albert Karakacha said the state must consult widely.

“The matatu industry for now has a lot of problems and we need more consultations and we need to be involved in what is happening,” he said.

Karakacha warned they might be forced to hike fares, subjecting citizens to more economic woes. “Let us do it in a way that will not affect the common mwananchi,” he said.

Karakacha said they are paying fuel levy, which is higher than in other countries. The exchequer and road maintenance levy fund are the major sources of finance for road development and maintenance.

The road maintenance levy fund was initially set at Sh18 per litre, but it has since been increased to Sh25.

Matatu Welfare Association chairman Dickson Mbugua said tolling will duplicate the road maintenance fuel levy. Mbugua, who is also the Federation of Public Transport Sector secretary, said tolling will worsen the high cost of living.

“The ripple effect of the road toll introduction will be disastrous and felt by everyone as cargo transport tariffs will certainly go up, PSV fares will increase as well as all consumables and all commodities ferried by roads and highways.”