By ISAAC ONGIRI
Motorists on some of the highways will now incur toll charges as the Government targets millions of shillings in revenue for maintenance.
Parliament will have to legislate to guide the management of tolled highways once a proposal by the Ministry of Roads is put in place.
Motorists will pay to enjoy the smooth drive on Thika road and later other classified highways or drive free on the congested alternatives off the main highways once a legislation to manage the modern roads are put in place. Thika superhighway during construction.[PHOTOS: FILE/STANDARD]
The plan to impose levies on highway driving is expected to be in place in the next 24 months to facilitate a road maintenance programme being designed by the Government.
Roads Minister Franklin Bett confirmed his ministry has proposed the imposition of toll rates for users of the Thika road motorway to raise funds for the maintenance of the Sh30 billion highway, which is East Africaâs largest.
"Highway tolls are the way to go and we have proposed this concept. It is important that Kenyans prepare for it," Mr Bett said.
The actual amount to be charged on motorable machines moving on the highway, Bett said, will be determined at a later stage.
Expensive roads
The minister revealed the concept could be in place in the two years, explaining that all the major highways around the world are on toll management.
If introduced, the Government could collect millions of shillings daily from road users who drive on the highway.
