The Motorists Association of Kenya is adamantly against tolls being imposed on the nation’s main highways.
The group describes the action as “pure shameless determination by the Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen,” arguing that it amounts to doubly taxing a population that is already subject to excessive taxes.
“As an association and stakeholders, we have decided in our meeting that we are not going to allow our roads to be turned into private roads,” stated association chairperson Peter Murima.
“The rate at which things are taking place in this nation is taking driving into another level,” stated David Muchai, a spokesman of private motorists. Driving will either turn into a criminal activity or become prohibitively expensive for the general populace.
The association claims that having road maintenance fees in addition to toll highways at the same time is equivalent to double taxation.
It also claims that toll roads will cause traffic jams on main highways.
The association, who has bemoaned the poor condition of the majority of the alternate routes, has not been pleased with the alternative usage of feeder roads for individuals who do not wish to pay.
“You cannot use already existing roads and turn them into private run roads. That is the procedure world over. That will be unconstitutional, it will impede on the freedom of movement,” Murima continued.
Furthermore, the group claims that the high cost of fuel, along with the government-to-government fuel acquisition agreement and what it refers to as a “vague fuel pricing formula,” have forced the transport sector to contract.
“The Matatu sector has been abused in this country; we are being overtaxed to the point where if you do some rounds you’ll find that most of the vehicles are being repossessed by financiers,” continued John Katimbwa, Chairperson of the Matatu Welfare Association.
The group, which represents all drivers under one roof—including those who operate cabs, trucks, and matatus—gave the government a 21-day ultimatum, failing which the industry will cease operations in protest of the dire state of the business environment.
Stakeholders in the transportation sector claim that the camel’s back is broken. The motorists organization claims that a number of variables, including county cess taxes, an increase in fuel VAT, and the recently proposed introduction of toll fee, could potentially tip the industry over the edge.
