Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi has voiced his support for the introduction of toll charges on major public roads.
He emphasized that citizens should be charged for the services they use, aligning with the government’s broader strategy to address infrastructure budget shortfalls.
According to the CS, the tolling system should be structured in a way that considers road usage. Mbadi stated that tolling roads is necessary but should be implemented fairly to avoid burdening citizens.
Speaking on a local TV station on Wednesday, March 20, 2025, Mbadi suggested that those who use the roads more frequently should pay higher fees compared to those who use them less. While acknowledging the existing Road Maintenance Levy, he emphasized the need for a balanced approach to ensure fairness and equitability.
“I am fir tolling roads. People should be charged for services. We must look at the way we structure our payment so that those who use the roads pay. There is already Road Maintenance Levy, so this tolling should be structured in a way that we are also fair to citizens.
“And there should be equitability and fairness. So if I’m using the road more, I should pay more than the person who uses it less. So the tolling should be done but not in a way that hurts Kenyans,” he stated.
Convenience
Mbadi also highlighted the importance of providing alternatives for road users. He noted that convenience is a priority for many Kenyans and suggested that toll roads should offer faster travel times.
He illustrated this by pointing out the challenges of holiday traffic congestion, especially in December, where some journeys take nearly a day. He argued that if there were alternative toll roads available, many people would be willing to pay for quicker travel.
Using a personal example, Mbadi mentioned that he would be willing to pay up to Ksh400 for a toll road if it meant reaching home in just four hours and enjoying fresh fish from the lake. He asserted that with a well-developed tolling system and alternative routes, the majority of Kenyans would opt for convenience.
People should have an alternative, if you are tolling, I should have an alternative, some people want convenience. I have been saying that we should not be stuck in traffic when going to our homes in December, some can take up to a day.
“I should for example have a road that is meant for me, I will pay even Ksh400 but I will be at home in the next four hours and enjoy my fish from the lake when it is still fresh,” the CS remarked.
Adding;
“What I’m saying is if we have a system where we develop these roads, with alternatives, the majority would prefer convenience. And by the way, we will develop the roads.”
