Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has outlined alternative routes that motorists can use to avoid paying toll charges on the proposed Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway.

The announcement comes amid growing public debate over the government’s plan to introduce toll fees along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway, which connects the capital to several counties in the Rift Valley and Western Kenya.

Chirchir has maintained that motorists will have alternative roads to choose from, allowing those who do not wish to pay toll charges to continue using other routes.

Among the available alternatives are the Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Mau Narok-Njoro-Nakuru route and the Nairobi-Thika-Magumu-Njabini-Ol Kalou-Nakuru route.

Other options include the Nakuru-Kampi ya Moto-Ravine-Makutano road and the Nakuru-Njoro-Molo-Mau Summit route.

However, some of these alternatives involve longer distances compared to the main highway, meaning motorists may have to consider additional travel time and fuel expenses.

The Rironi-Mau Summit project involves upgrading approximately 175 kilometres of the A8 highway, alongside improvements to the Rironi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha corridor.

Under the proposed tolling arrangement, motorists are expected to pay for using the upgraded highway, with the government maintaining that alternative routes will remain available.

The project is intended to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and ease the movement of passengers and goods between Nairobi and Western Kenya.

The tolling proposal has nevertheless attracted criticism from motorists and other stakeholders concerned about the additional cost of using the highway.