Kenya Toll Roads Complete Guide: Nairobi Expressway Rates & Payment 2025
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Kenya Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and Manual Toll Collection (MTC)
Coverage: Nairobi Expressway (27km) - Mlolongo to Westlands
Currency: Kenya Shilling (KES)
Technology: RFID On-Board Units (OBU), MTC cards, mobile money
Operators: Moja Expressway (China Road and Bridge Corporation subsidiary)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Kenya? 2025 Update
Yes, you must pay tolls to use the Nairobi Expressway, Kenya's only toll road. The 27-kilometer elevated highway is the country's flagship infrastructure project and the fastest route through Nairobi from Mlolongo to Westlands.
Key Reality: The Nairobi Expressway is mandatory toll-only access with no free alternative route. Opened in 2022, it provides significant time savings but requires either an ETC account with On-Board Unit (OBU) or MTC card for payment.
2025 Update: Toll rates increased significantly in January 2024, from KES 100-310 to KES 170-500, with rates adjusted based on Kenya Shilling depreciation against the US Dollar. Further adjustments are possible based on exchange rate and CPI changes.
Kenya Toll Costs: Current Rates
Kenya operates a single toll road - the Nairobi Expressway - with rates varying by distance traveled and vehicle class. All rates are distance-based between entry and exit points.
Current Toll Rates by Route (2025)
| Route | Class 3 (Saloon Cars) | Class 4 (Minibuses) | Class 5 (Heavy Vehicles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mlolongo ↔ Westlands (Full Route) | 500 KES | 750 KES | 1,250 KES |
| Mlolongo ↔ SGR/Eastern Bypass | 250 KES | 375 KES | 625 KES |
| Mlolongo ↔ Southern Bypass | 330 KES | 495 KES | 825 KES |
| JKIA ↔ Westlands | 430 KES | 645 KES | 1,075 KES |
| Capital Center ↔ Museum Hill | 170 KES | 255 KES | 425 KES |
| Haile Selassie ↔ Westlands | 200 KES | 300 KES | 500 KES |
Vehicle Classification System
Class 1: Two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles) - PROHIBITED
Class 2: Three-wheeled vehicles (tuk-tuks) - PROHIBITED
Class 3: Saloon cars, SUVs, double cabs, pickups, small vans - Base rate
Class 4: Light vehicles with high bonnet, minibuses (≤23 passengers), light trucks - 1.5x base rate
Class 5: Heavy vehicles (4+ axles), buses (24+ passengers), heavy trucks - 2.5x base rate
How to Pay Kenya Tolls
The Nairobi Expressway offers multiple payment methods for user convenience:
1. Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) - Recommended:
- On-Board Unit (OBU) device installed in vehicle
- Automatic payment deduction with no stopping
- Minimum top-up: KES 2,000 (plus KES 1,000 service charge)
- Discounts available for higher balances
2. Manual Toll Collection (MTC):
- MTC Card - Prepaid card for tap-and-go access
- Mobile Money - M-Pesa payments at toll stations
- Cash payments - Available at toll booths
3. Digital Payment Options:
- Nairobi Expressway mobile app
- USSD code *819# for all users
- Bank apps (Stanbic *208#, Standard Chartered, Loop Go)
- Online portal at nairobiexpressway.ke
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, and all vehicle types on the Nairobi Expressway, use TollGuru Kenya toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Toll Rate Increase (January 2024):
- Rates increased from KES 100-310 to KES 170-500 range
- Maximum rate (Mlolongo-Westlands) increased from KES 310 to KES 500
- Increase attributed to Kenya Shilling depreciation (34% against USD)
- Adjustment mechanism based on CPI and exchange rate variations
Operational Updates:
- Enhanced mobile app functionality and user experience
- Expanded payment options including more bank integrations
- Improved customer service with 24/7 hotline (0111 039 777)
- Additional service centers for ETC registration and maintenance
Future Adjustments:
- Toll rates subject to annual review based on economic indicators
- Exchange rate and CPI adjustments may trigger further rate changes
- 27-year concession period may be extended if demand decreases
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Airport to city center: KES 430 (vs. 2+ hours on alternative routes)
- Full expressway journey: KES 500 (saves 30-60 minutes)
- Short distance trips: KES 170-250 for inner city segments
- Daily commuter costs: KES 340-1,000 depending on route
Time Savings:
- Typical journey time: 12-20 minutes vs. 45-90 minutes on surface roads
- Peak hour advantage: Expressway maintains consistent speeds
- Airport access: Direct connection to JKIA without city traffic
- No traffic lights or intersections along the route
Alternative Routes:
- Mombasa Road - Free but heavily congested
- Uhuru Highway - No tolls but slow during peak hours
- Outer Ring Road - Longer but toll-free option
- Surface roads - Multiple free routes but time-consuming
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Kenya tolls completely?
Yes, multiple free alternative routes exist including Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, and Outer Ring Road. However, these routes take significantly longer (30-90 minutes vs. 12-20 minutes) and are heavily congested during peak hours.
What happens if I don't pay tolls?
The Nairobi Expressway requires payment before access. Barriers prevent entry without valid payment method (ETC, MTC card, or cash). For ETC accounts, insufficient balance prevents barrier opening.
Can motorcycles use the expressway?
No, motorcycles (Class 1) and tuk-tuks (Class 2) are prohibited from using the Nairobi Expressway for safety reasons. Only vehicles Class 3 and above are permitted.
How do I register for ETC service?
Visit any Nairobi Expressway service center with copies of your National ID/passport and vehicle logbook. Pay KES 1,000 service charge and minimum KES 2,000 top-up. The OBU device will be installed in your vehicle.
Will toll rates increase further?
Yes, toll rates are subject to annual adjustment based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) and USD-KES exchange rate variations. The government announced this adjustment mechanism in the original project agreement.
Kenya vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | ETC + MTC | 170-500 KES | Single expressway |
| Uganda | Electronic + manual | 5,000-15,000 UGX | Kampala-Entebbe |
| Tanzania | Manual collection | 2,000-8,000 TZS | Limited network |
| South Africa | Electronic + manual | 10-100 ZAR | Extensive network |
| Nigeria | Mixed systems | 200-2,000 NGN | Federal highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Resources:
- Nairobi Expressway Website: nairobiexpressway.ke
- Customer Service: 0111 039 777 (24/7)
- Emergency/Rescue: 0111 039 888
- Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android
Account Management:
- USSD Code: *819# (all users)
- Stanbic Bank: *208# (bank customers)
- Online portal: Account creation and management
- Service centers: Multiple locations along the route
Regional Toll Information:
- Uganda Tolls - Northern neighbor expressway system
- Tanzania Tolls - Southern neighbor toll information
- South Africa Tolls - Advanced African toll network
- Nigeria Tolls - West African toll comparison
