Ambulances, military and police vehicles, as well as local traffic for residents along the highway, will either pay reduced toll fees or be fully exempted. Toll rates will not be fixed and will instead be reviewed and adjusted periodically based on prevailing economic conditions.

“Tolling applies to new or substantially upgraded highways that carry high volumes of passenger and freight traffic and corridors vital to trade and connectivity,” the statement said. “Each project follows a structured process: feasibility appraisal, environmental and social assessment, public participation, competitive procurement, and final approval by the PPP Committee.”

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has proposed a base toll of Ksh 8 per kilometre for motorists using the expressway, implemented through eight toll stations and an open tolling system that charges users for the distance travelled. The proposal has sparked public debate.

The project consortium of China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Board of Trustees was selected as the Preferred Proponent.

“Based on comparative assessment, the Evaluation Committee concluded that CRBC & NSSF align with the Contracting Authority’s Output Specifications and PPP Act Cap 430 requirements, with a proposed toll rate of Ksh 8 per km and a 1 % annual escalation,” KeNHA stated.

The 175 km highway will include 15 interchanges, eight footbridges, 25 km of service lanes, eight wildlife crossings, 41 U-turns, 41 underpasses, and 118 bus bays, highlighting its scale and strategic importance to Kenya’s transport network.