President William Ruto has thrown his weight behind the national government taking full control of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), arguing it is best suited to oversee the effective and efficient use of the critical infrastructure fund.
Speaking during an Easter Sunday church service in Ntulele, Narok County, the President stated that centralizing the RMLF under national oversight would end delays and inefficiencies caused by overlapping mandates between county and national governments. He emphasized that national management would ensure better planning, execution, and value for money in road maintenance.
“There is a tussle between county governments and Parliament, especially regarding the road maintenance funds,” Ruto noted. “If you leave the funds to me, I will organize plans to fund all these road projects. That money should not be wasted building murram roads that get washed away after a single downpour.”
The RMLF, amounting to Sh10.5 billion annually, is sourced from a fuel levy and is vital for maintaining Kenya’s road network. However, control of the fund has been a subject of prolonged contention between governors and lawmakers. County chiefs argue that counties, being directly involved in road construction, should have a share of the fund, especially given its local impacts.
Tensions escalated when governors filed a court case against MPs over management of the fund, prompting concerns that the stalemate could jeopardize donor-supported infrastructure projects. Despite this, a breakthrough appears possible. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa have recently signaled willingness to withdraw the court case if it would help resolve the impasse.
President Ruto maintained that the national government possesses greater institutional capacity and logistical reach to manage the fund for the benefit of all Kenyans. He appealed to leaders to put aside political differences and prioritize sustainable development.
“If we want durable, reliable roads and long-term infrastructure solutions, we must manage these funds with a national outlook,” he said.
The debate over the RMLF underscores broader challenges in Kenya’s devolved governance structure, particularly around resource allocation and the delivery of shared mandates. As discussions continue, the outcome will be crucial in shaping how road infrastructure is financed and developed across the country.
