This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
Nairobi Expressway: Outrage Over Proposed Ksh.600 Fee for Commuters ¶
Published on December 5, 2019
The proposed plan to charge Ksh. 600 for commuters using the Nairobi Expressway has sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans, who argue that it will disproportionately affect the poor.
The 27-kilometer dual carriageway, which connects the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to James Gichuru, is part of the government's efforts to de-congest key roads in Nairobi.
However, many Kenyans have questioned the wisdom of charging a fee for a road that was built using public funds, with some arguing that it is a form of taxation by another name.
"Who bewitched Kenya? Seriously, after being taxed heavily to pay for a loan that built a road that isn’t helping Kenyans and still have to pay as if forced to use it. System ya majambazi," said Samson Mwanzia, a Twitter user.
Others have argued that the fee will only benefit the rich, who will be able to afford the cost of using the expressway, while the poor will be left to suffer.
"Roads for the rich funded by the poor, there is a lot of primitivity in this country where the rich privatize public service to get quality and neglect services for the common Mwananchi. Why pay taxes and pay to use the roads?" asked Joshua Otao.
The proposed fee has also sparked concerns about the impact on the economy, with some arguing that it will only serve to increase the cost of living for Kenyans.
