Ruto Called to Resolve Ksh10.5 Billion Road Funds Dispute
President William Ruto has been urged to step in and mediate a long-standing dispute between governors and Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the management of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF).
The conflict, which has persisted for two years, has significantly hampered road construction projects across counties, leaving many incomplete due to financial constraints.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki emphasized that the President’s intervention is critical in resolving this issue, which he described as a significant threat to devolution.
Speaking during a funeral service, Governor Njuki expressed concern over the standoff, highlighting its negative impact on the livelihoods of citizens and the progress of road infrastructure.
“This fight over resources has caused immense suffering to our people. A good example is in road projects. Many have stalled because of this stalemate.
We must follow the law, and I appeal to the President to mediate between us governors and MPs to resolve this matter,” Njuki stated.
The core of the dispute lies in the allocation of the RMLF, which was initially designed to fund road maintenance and construction through the Kenya Roads Board (KRB).
Traditionally, KRB disbursed funds directly to counties and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), ensuring equitable distribution across the country.
However, MPs reportedly diverted the funds intended for county governments to constituencies, leaving counties to rely solely on their own revenue.
“MPs blocked the allocation of county funds through KRB, insisting that all the money should be directed to constituencies. They argued that counties should use their local revenue instead.
This decision disregarded the historical practice where counties have always received RMLF allocations through KRB,” Njuki explained.
The fallout from this decision escalated into a legal battle, further complicating the situation.
According to Njuki, the court case has left billions of shillings meant for road projects idling in bank accounts, paralyzing development initiatives across counties.
“Since the MPs made that move, funds meant for counties have been tied up in a legal tussle. Road construction projects have been at a standstill for two years because of this case.
These unnecessary battles are hurting development, and we need the National Assembly and the Council of Governors to come together and address this issue,” Njuki added.
Njuki also proposed a more practical approach to fund allocation, suggesting that resources should be distributed based on the progress and scale of road projects.
This, he argued, would ensure that funds are directed to areas where they are most needed and prevent misallocation to regions with no tangible development.
The Road Maintenance Levy Fund, established by an Act of Parliament in 1993, remains a crucial resource for maintaining and upgrading roads nationwide.
At the heart of the dispute is Ksh10.5 billion, which remains unutilized due to the ongoing impasse.
Njuki urged all parties involved to consider the broader goal of enhancing road infrastructure for the benefit of citizens.
He called for an end to the standoff and encouraged unity between the National Assembly and the Council of Governors to unlock the funds and resume stalled projects.
“This prolonged dispute has only hurt our people. Road development is vital for the growth of our counties and the country at large. We need to put aside our differences and focus on what truly matters: building roads that will transform lives,” Njuki concluded.
The call for President Ruto’s intervention highlights the urgent need to resolve the impasse and ensure the RMLF fulfills its purpose of improving Kenya’s road network.
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