Kenyans received temporary relief on Thursday after a Mombasa court halted the government’s decision to impose an additional Sh 8 on the road maintenance levy for fuel.
The new charges, which took effect on July 15, 2024, were challenged by activist Odhiambo Juma in a petition before the Mombasa High Court.
In his petition, Juma argued that the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, which was implemented in July, is unconstitutional, claiming there was no meaningful and adequate public participation.
“Pending the hearing of the Notice of Motion dated August 2, 2024, inter partes, a conservatory order is hereby issued, restraining the Respondents, either jointly or severally, whether by themselves, their officers, agents, employees, or other persons or entities acting under the Respondents’ instructions, from implementing and enforcing the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (Imposition) Order 2024,” the order states.
The levy is charged at the pump for every litre of petrol or kerosene purchased by motorists.
According to KeNHA, the levy is intended to improve existing roads to quality standards, ensuring they remain safe and reliable for all users.