MPs raise red flag over funding cuts for constituency roads by KeRRA
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
A High Court in Nairobi had issued an interim order on August 19, 2024, freezing Sh10.52 billion intended for county governments in the Financial year 2024-2025.
Members of the National Assembly have raised concerns over the recent reduction in funds allocated for the construction of constituency roads by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
This is after Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch requested a statement from the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure about the cuts to KeRRA's funding.
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"In the recent past, there has been a systematic reduction of the 22 per cent and 10 per cent constituency ceiling allocation issued by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority," he stated on Wednesday.
The ODM lawmaker pointed out that a High Court in Nairobi had issued an interim order on August 19, 2024, freezing Sh10.52 billion intended for county governments in the Financial year 2024-2025.
Oluoch questioned the rationale behind the funding cuts, which they believe are detrimental to development in their constituencies.
Buuri MP Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi criticised the Kenya Roads Board for making annual funding adjustments without consulting Parliament, despite an established allocation formula.
"Mr Speaker, I wonder why the Kenya Roads Board does not consult the House of Parliament and instead chooses to consult with the Council of Governors when coming up with the revisions," Mugambi said.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie echoed these concerns, arguing that interference from governors could hinder local development.
"What is at risk here is the benefits that are being witnessed by these decentralised funds that are equally distributed across all constituencies," he warned.
"We need to make sure that the funds meant for vital road and infrastructure developments in our constituencies are protected."
CoG faulted
Going further, the MPs condemned the Council of Governors for previously going to court to contest the funds allocated for rural road construction.
"If you look at our constituencies, the only development happening comes from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and other decentralised funds, said Tharaka MP, George Murugara.
Kisii County MP Doris Aburi remarked on the stark difference in project quality between those funded by NG-CDF and those by counties.
"The difference is like night and day, be it in health, water, or roads," she noted.
Transport Committee Chairperson and Ndia MP George Kariuki informed the House that he had engaged with the Ministry after receiving a circular about the funding cuts.
He noted that following his intervention, the circular had been withdrawn.
Leader of the Minority Party Junet Mohammed raised concerns about the management practices of both the Kenya Roads Board and KeRRA.
"This is not the first time that these authorities have revised ceilings without proper consultation," he added
As a result, the legislators unanimously called for the immediate revocation of the circular regarding the funding cuts and a return to previous allocation levels for the Financial Year 2024-2025.
They also directed a comprehensive report on the usage of the Sh7 fuel levy included in the supplementary budget.
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