Consumer Group Loses Bid To Unmask Secret Toll Plans That Could Cost Motorists Sh8.50 Per Kilometre

The Public Private Partnership Petition Committee has dismissed a challenge by the Consumers Federation of Kenya seeking disclosure of key documents behind the proposed toll charges on the Rironi-Mau Summit highway. The committee struck out the petition for failing to meet the seven-day statutory deadline.

Under the Public Private Partnerships Act, any party challenging a decision on a PPP project must lodge a petition within seven days. The committee found that the consumer lobby had not established when the Kenya National Highways Authority issued the project disclosure document. This made it hard to show the petition was filed on time.

The committee did establish that the document existed before September 2, 2025. That was when stakeholder consultations on the project began.

COFEK had asked the committee to compel the roads authority to release tolling plans, feasibility studies, procurement records and public participation reports. The group argued that the disclosure document did not explain how the tariffs were calculated. It also questioned whether motorists would have toll-free alternative routes and whether the project was affordable.

The lobby further raised concerns over how financial risks would be shared between the government and private investors. The committee dismissed the petition without ruling on the merits of these concerns.

At the centre of the dispute is a plan to charge up to Sh8.50 per kilometre on sections of the highway. In a notice issued on June 23, 2026, KeNHA said motorists from Rironi towards Naivasha would pay Sh8 per kilometre. Those travelling from Naivasha towards Mau Summit would pay Sh8.50.

The tolling will cover the Rironi-Naivasha-Gilgil and Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha routes. The project is being developed under a 30-year partnership estimated at Ksh200 billion.

China Road and Bridge Corporation is building the Rironi-Naivasha section. Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering is handling the Gilgil-Mau Summit stretch. The road will be widened to four lanes up to Naivasha and six lanes beyond.

https://x.com/eastleighvoice/status/2118717831437230267?s=46

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