By Perez Karisa, June 24, 2026
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially announced a base toll charge of Ksh 8 per kilometre for motorists using the upgraded Rironi–Mau Summit highway, introducing one of the country’s most significant road-user charging frameworks under a long-term infrastructure financing model that is already generating intense public debate.
In a public disclosure notice issued on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, KeNHA confirmed that the tolling system will operate under a 30-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement designed to finance construction, maintenance, and operation of the expanded highway corridor. The project is being implemented as part of efforts to decongest the Northern Corridor, one of East Africa’s busiest transport and trade routes linking the Port of Mombasa to inland markets in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Detailed Cost Structure and User Categories
According to the authority, the Ksh 8 per kilometre rate will apply primarily to standard passenger vehicles, including saloon cars and small private 4×4 vehicles. Under this structure, motorists travelling the 139-kilometre stretch from Rironi through Naivasha to Nakuru are expected to pay approximately Ksh 1,112 per one-way trip, depending on entry and exit points.
KeNHA further clarified that the tolling system will be segmented into two key operational corridors:
- The 81km Rironi–Naivasha–Gilgil (A8) section, estimated at about Ksh 648 for standard vehicles
- The 58km Rironi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) loop, estimated at roughly Ksh 464
The agency noted that pricing for the Gilgil–Mau Summit extension is still under review and will be announced after final consultations with the concessionaire and transport stakeholders.
Smart Tolling System and Infrastructure Design
The highway will adopt an open tolling system supported by digital tracking technology, with eight designated toll stations strategically placed along the corridor. The system is expected to use automated number plate recognition and electronic billing to ensure motorists are charged based on exact distance travelled rather than flat-rate entry fees.
KeNHA stated that this model is intended to improve efficiency, reduce congestion at toll points, and enhance revenue transparency while supporting continuous highway maintenance.
The project, estimated at Ksh 192.6 billion, is being developed by a consortium led by the China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Board of Trustees. The government has defended the model as necessary to bridge infrastructure funding gaps without overburdening the national budget.
Exemptions and Pricing Adjustments
Under the framework, emergency and essential service vehicles—including ambulances, fire engines, military convoys, and police vehicles—will be exempt from toll charges. KeNHA also indicated that diplomatic vehicles and certain government service units may qualify for exemptions under specific operational guidelines.
The authority further confirmed that toll rates will be subject to an annual escalation of approximately 1%, designed to account for inflation, currency fluctuations, and long-term maintenance costs over the concession period.
Public Reaction and Economic Concerns
The announcement has sparked immediate public reaction, with motorists and transport stakeholders expressing concern over the affordability of the new charges, especially for frequent users of the highway such as commuters, logistics operators, and public service vehicle (PSV) drivers.
The Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) issued a strong statement accusing KeNHA of underplaying the real cost burden. The group argued that while the base rate is pegged at Ksh 8 per kilometre, commercial vehicles, trucks, and matatus are likely to face significantly higher tariffs—potentially reaching up to Ksh 15 per kilometre depending on axle load classification and time-of-use adjustments.
Transport economists have also raised concerns that the tolling system could increase the cost of goods transported along the corridor, potentially impacting food prices and supply chain efficiency in Nairobi, Nakuru, and western Kenya markets.
Government Position and Expected Rollout
Despite the criticism, KeNHA maintains that the PPP model is the most viable option for delivering modern highway infrastructure while ensuring sustainability in maintenance and expansion. Officials argue that improved road quality, reduced travel time, and lower vehicle operating costs will offset the toll charges over time.
The authority has indicated that further stakeholder engagement sessions will be held with transport unions, logistics companies, and county governments before full implementation of the toll system. The rollout date for the operational phase of the highway will be announced once construction milestones and regulatory approvals are completed.
As debate continues, the Rironi–Mau Summit tolling framework is shaping up to be one of the most consequential transport policy shifts in Kenya’s recent infrastructure history, raising broader questions about road financing, equity in mobility, and the future of public road access in a rapidly urbanising economy.
