Governor urges MPs to let counties control roads levy fund

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has challenged MPs to enact legislation that would allow county governments to directly manage the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF).

He argued that devolving control would enhance efficiency and transparency in infrastructure development.

Speaking on Thursday in Malava Sub-county during the distribution of essential drugs and pharmaceuticals to health facilities, Governor Barasa criticized the national government’s continued management of the fund, terming it unconstitutional and a violation of the spirit of devolution.

“The MPs are frustrating devolution. We have a right to claim close to Sh10.5 billion for counties to implement road maintenance projects more efficiently,” he said.

The Roads Maintenance Levy, currently set at Sh25 per litre of petrol and diesel, is collected by the Kenya Roads Board and allocated to national road agencies including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA). 

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However, county governments have long argued that the current structure sidelines them, despite being responsible for the majority of the road network across the country.

The Council of Governors (CoG) has consistently lobbied for a legal framework that would guarantee counties a direct share of the levy. 

They argue that devolved governments are better positioned to plan and implement road projects that reflect local priorities.

"Counties are best placed to identify, plan and execute road projects that have the greatest impact on the people. It’s also our constitutional right,” Governor Barasa added.