High Court stalls orders intended at tolling Thika Superhighway, other roads
The High Court has temporarily halted the government’s plan to introduce of a Road Tolling Policy that would impose charges on major highways such as the Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and the Dongo Kundu Bypass.
Milimani High Court Judge Chacha Mwita issued the orders following a petition filed by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK), challenging the policy that could require Kenyans to pay for access to and use of the major roads throughout the country.
“In the meantime, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the respondents, their agents and or servants from implementing the proposed Talling of Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru –Mau Summit and or any other public road constructed using public funds until October 8,” said the judge.
Read: Introducing tolls on major roads bad idea
The orders also restrain the government from implementing the tolling policy on Kenol Sagana – Maua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and Dongo Kundu Bypass.
The judge also ordered that the pleadings be served on all parties, and that responses to the application and petition be filed and served within seven days after service.
The order also stipulates that the petitioner will have seven days after service to file and serve a supplementary affidavit, if necessary, along with written submissions to the application and petition not exceeding 10 pages.
“The respondents and interested parties will then have seven days after service, to file and serve written submission to the application and petition, also not exceeding 10 pages each,” said the judge
COFEK has sued the National Assembly, Kenya Urban Roads Authority and eight others.
The petition was filed following the government’s announcement that it was considering introducing legislation requiring Kenyans to pay for the use of certain highways set to be constructed by the government.
Former Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement in March, explaining that the levies collected would help increase the country’s revenue for road infrastructural improvements.
The former Roads CS stated that the government was facing a significant financing gap for infrastructural projects amounting to billions of shillings, and thus, the introduction of toll stations would help bridge this gap.
The now Sports Minister clarified that the funds collected, upon approval of the legislation, would be used to improve and expand the country’s road infrastructure.
The announcement of charges on key roads has, however, faced backlash from Kenyans who accuse the government of overburdening them with endless taxes.
However, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has clarified that it will conduct adequate public participation before the tolling policy is implemented.
KeNHA has stated that the policy would specify which roads would be tolled once it is finalized,
KeNHA also clarified that the new tolling policy could free up the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) to finance new road projects since the tolled roads may not qualify for RMLF funding.
bocharo@ke.nationmedia.com
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.