The Kenyan Government is going to implement an initiative that will see the private sector assist in providing operation and maintenance of the Nairobo-Thika Highway.

The aim is to ensure that the road is maintained properly and that the level of service is kept high.

Speaking at the official launch of the highway, which was commissioned by President Mwai Kibaki, Roads Minister Franklin Bett said that the maintenance initiative would be a responsibility for all Kenyans.

“When the road is not good, people drive slowly, when the road is good, they tend to drive fast, while others overload their vehicles, damaging the roads and bridges within a short time,” he said.

“The government has had to spend a lot of money, saved for the development of other sectors, to repair and maintain roads and bridges. I therefore want to caution motorists, especially heavy vehicles, to observe stipulated load limits and vehicle weights,” he explained.

Bett made it known that it is the duty of all Kenyans to preserve the investment on the county’s roads for long term and sustainable transportation.

Finance Minister Robinson Githae added that the construction and maintenance of the country’s road network accounts for the highest allocation in the budget.

“Taking into account limited public resources, the government will rely on the private sector to meet the economy’s resource requirements while developing the appropriate market environment to promote efficiency,” he said.

“This calls for the fast implementation of the privatisation program, the provision of private sector participation in infrastructure development under a robust public-private partnership agenda, the promotion of appropriate regulation of private sector activity and the provision of greater private sector access to finance,” he explained.

It was stated that users of the Thika highway would possibly have to pay tolls to use the motorway which will go towards funding road maintenance.

“Highway tolls are the way to go and we have proposed this concept. It is important that Kenyans prepare for it,” he said.

“The actual amount to be charged on vehicles moving on the highway will be determined at a later stage,” he added.

Thye minister revealed that the tolling could be implemented in as little as two years.