The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has clarified that it is not opposing the construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit highway linking Nairobi and Nakuru counties. Instead, motorists are firmly against the introduction of toll fees along the 175-kilometre stretch, which they describe as a form of double taxation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 30, the association dismissed claims that it had rejected the highway project, calling such reports “misleading” and aimed at misrepresenting their actual concerns.
"We fully support the long-awaited expansion of the A8 highway. This has never been in dispute. The Motorists Association of Kenya has been advocating for its upgrade for more than two decades," the statement read.
The association criticized the tolling plan, arguing that it amounts to unlawful double taxation because motorists already pay a fuel levy.
They urged the government to either remove the toll fees or eliminate the fuel levy, warning that retaining both would unfairly burden road users.
Toll Road Should Not Replace Existing Highway
MAK also objected to the construction of the toll road along the existing Nairobi-Nakuru highway, insisting that the public highway should remain open as a free alternative route.
"A toll road must be built on newly acquired private land, leaving the existing public highway accessible without charge," the statement said.
The association drew comparisons to other national infrastructure projects, noting that the Nairobi Expressway left the lower deck free for public use, and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) was built on new land while the meter-gauge railway remained operational.
Tolling Considered Discriminatory
The motorists further argued that tolling the Ksh170 billion Rironi-Mau Summit highway is discriminatory, as similar major highways in Kenya are not tolled.
They highlighted that the toll would disproportionately affect residents of Western Kenya and the Lake Victoria region, who rely on the highway for frequent travel to Nairobi and back.
"We oppose double taxation, unlawful tolling, and the creeping transformation of Kenya’s public roads into perpetual revenue streams for private concessionaires," MAK concluded.