The Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) of Kenya has opposed a proposal by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to introduce a tolling system on major roads in the country.
The association is against the plan saying it would result in double taxation on motorists, since they are already taxed Ksh.18 per litre on fuel.
“The introduction of the toll will be challenging and expensive, especially for Public Service Vehicles (PSV) and other motorists. We are already paying VAT on fuel which is why Former President Mwai Kibaki scrapped the toll and replaced it with the fuel levy,” said the head of Matatu Welfare Association Dickson Mbugua in an interview with the Nation.
He added: “They should reconsider their proposal because it will affect everyone.”
The reactions come days after Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday during the launch of the Kenya National Highways Authority strategic plan for 2023 to 2027, announced that the government plans to not only expand major roads but also charge road users for using the roads.
While hailing the public-private funding model that was implemented for the Nairobi Expressway, the CS highlighted that the State will begin implementing the road toll model on various commonly used roads.
“I believe that we can toll the road from Athi River to Namanga, I believe that it is possible to toll the road from Galleria to Rongai to Ngong and back to Karen Shopping Centre. I believe also that it is possible to expand and toll the road of Kiambu road,” said CS Murkomen.
CS Murkomen added that the road maintenance levy fund might increase since the cost of maintaining roads has gone up.
By Matildah Obaigwa
Comment here