A resident of Olkeri last week raised concerns over an illegal toll station after a delivery person found the road blocked with stones at the SGR bridge along Olkeri to Gataka road which passes through Oloolua forest. According to the complainant, the delivery person had to part with 50 shillings via mpesa before being allowed to pass through.
Olkeri Assistant Chief Stephen Moshi who followed up on the complaints has assured motorists and other road users free access to the road without any obstructions.
“I immediately went to the site where the alleged illegal toll station had been set up, and found a group of youth who had come up with a solution to enable motorists navigate a steep bridge ramp. They were solving a problem and charging a small fee, probably not aware the law does not allow such actions. They immediately stopped all their activities and have been advised not to do it again.” Assistant Chief Moshi said.
According to the Kenya’s public roads toll act, the cabinet secretary is the one who can declare any public road or a portion thereof, including any bridge or tunnel on a public road, as a toll road for purposes of this Act. It is illegal for anyone to install a barrier and charge road users a fee to use any public road.
According to the same act, the cabinet secretary may by Order published in the Gazette amend the First Schedule and shall provide equipment, buildings or structures and installations including permanent or movable weighbridges necessary for the proper functioning of a toll station. Every toll station shall have a station manager appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.
In July 2014, Nairobi County Assembly adopted a motion by the then Karura Ward MCA Kamau Thuo to have barriers installed by Runda Residents Association and Runda Water Ltd be removed.
According to the motion, Runda Residents Association and Runda Water Ltd had been demanding gate passes, and charging for them and for road use, and erecting barriers preventing some vehicles from accessing public roads in Runda Estate.
The law maker quoted Article 186 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya, and Fourth Schedule which states that the functions and powers of County Government, among others, covers roads, street lighting, electricity, water and sanitation provision; further aware that County Governments can impose taxes and rates under section 109(3) of the constitution, a function which hasn’t been devolved to other entities. The MCA raised termed the actions of Runda Association and Runda Water Ltd, a clear breach of the Constitution.
The county assembly resolves that the County Government remove or order the removal of all the barriers erected on public roads by the Runda Residents Association and illegal levy of charges by the said Association and Runda Water Ltd with immediate effect.
If you come across a road block you suspect it’s illegal, kindly contact the nearest police station or the chiefs office.
Elveza media that was detailed and verified first hand information. Always on point.
Thank you