Drivers Who Claim They’re Broke Force Chinese Contractor to Re-Think Nairobi Expressway Toll Plan

File image of a toll station on the Nairobi Expressway. Simon MAINA / AFP

It’s been a rocky start for the new Chinese-built Nairobi Expressway that opened to the public two weeks ago. Complaints that the tolls are too high, accidents, and now massive traffic jams have all marred what the government had hoped would be a more upbeat reception for the 27-kilometer roadway.

Now, it appears that one of the reasons for the congestion is that some drivers are showing up at the tolls claiming they don’t have any money. The challenge for the Chinese operator is that the entire business plan of the expressway is predicated on motorists paying for their journey when they exit not when they get on the expressway.

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by Eric Olander

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