The Kenya Transporters Association has raised alarm over what it describes as illegal and unconstitutional levies being charged by several county governments, putting the national transport sector at risk.

In a detailed petition addressed to President William Ruto, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Council of Governors, and the Attorney General, the association accuses county administrations of enforcing unlawful fees on trucks using national roads, even when the vehicles are only passing through and not stopping for services.

Signed by KTA Chairman Newton Wang’oo, the petition outlines how multiple counties are allegedly violating the Constitution by charging transporters without providing any service in return.

These levies, which range between Sh500 and Sh30,000 per truck, are said to be hurting the transport industry and contributing to higher business costs and inflated commodity prices across the country.

According to the petition, truck operators are being forced to pay for merely passing through certain counties, even when the roads involved fall under the jurisdiction of the national government.

The association insists that these charges have no legal basis and are instead crippling operations in the logistics and transport sector.

The KTA highlights seven counties as the main culprits behind these levies.

In Migori County, led by Ochilo Ayako, truck drivers are forced to pay Sh500 as a Border Entry Fee for each truck using national roads at the border.

Marsabit County, under Mohamud Ali, demands Sh1,000 per loaded vehicle for transit to and from Ethiopia again, on national roads.

In Tana River County, headed by Dhadho Godhana, a fee of Sh2,500 is imposed per truck as an Entry/Parking Fee, regardless of whether the truck has actually parked. Similarly, Kajiado County, under Joseph Ole Lenku, charges Sh2,000 per truck for simply transiting through the area on national highways.

Kilifi County, led by Gideon Mung’aro, and Kwale County, under Fatuma Achani, are also named in the petition for imposing similar Entry/Parking and Transit Fees respectively, each charging up to Sh2,500 per truck.

In Machakos County, transporters are required to pay Sh2,500 annually for Truck Registration for any truck loading or offloading in the county , even if it’s just once. Non-compliance leads to harsh penalties, including fines of Sh30,000 and impounding charges of Sh5,000.

The association says the counties are also abusing laws on branding and distribution permits. Truck owners are being charged for simply displaying company names on their vehicles, and are being forced to pay annual distribution permit fees between Sh60,000 and Sh150,000 per truck, even for single deliveries.

“These levies are unlawful and economically damaging, paralysing our truck business,” KTA states in the petition. They argue that the charges not only violate constitutional provisions but also fuel corruption at county checkpoints, burden businesses, and ultimately raise the cost of goods.

Calling for urgent action, KTA is demanding that these levies be scrapped and that a full legal audit of county bylaws be undertaken. The association wants legal departments at both the national and county levels to eliminate any provisions that contradict Article 209(5) of the Constitution.

“Counties must stop collecting these unlawful levies and adopt lawful, sustainable revenue alternatives. The legal departments of both the National and County Governments must review all bylaws across the 47 counties to ensure full compliance with Article 209(5) of the Constitution,” KTA’s statement read in part.

With the pressure mounting, the spotlight now shifts to the national leadership and whether it will respond to growing calls from the logistics sector for relief and reforms in county revenue practices.