NAROK, Kenya – President William Ruto has called for the national government to take full control of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), a move he argues will ensure more effective management and allocation of resources for infrastructure development across the country.
Speaking during an Easter Sunday church service in Ntulele, Narok County, President Ruto emphasized that centralizing the control of road maintenance funds would eliminate inefficiencies and delays caused by overlapping responsibilities between the national and county governments.
He highlighted that the national government’s broader capacity and resources would enable better planning and the completion of sustainable road projects.
Ruto’s remarks come amid a contentious dispute between county governments and Parliament over control of the Sh10.5 billion RMLF, which is funded through a fuel levy.
Governors have maintained that they are entitled to the fund, arguing that they play a direct role in road construction within their jurisdictions.
However, the President dismissed this argument, pointing out that devolved projects often resulted in substandard roads that quickly deteriorate after minimal rainfall.
“I would like to ask these honorable members here—I am aware there is an ongoing tussle between county governments and Parliament, especially on the road maintenance funds,” Ruto remarked.
He promised that with centralized management, road projects would be more robust and long-lasting.
The disagreement over the RMLF has intensified in recent weeks, as the Council of Governors (CoG) and lawmakers have clashed over the allocation and control of the fund.
The situation became more complicated after governors refused to withdraw a court case against MPs regarding the fund’s management, a legal battle that could jeopardize key donor-funded infrastructure projects.
However, signs of resolution emerged after two prominent governors, Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga and Kakamega’s Fernandes Barasa, indicated they might be open to withdrawing the case if it would help resolve the standoff.
Despite the ongoing dispute, President Ruto’s proposal underscores his commitment to streamlining infrastructure development by consolidating decision-making and financial control at the national level.
This would, according to the President, ensure better coordination, eliminate redundancy, and lead to lasting improvements in the country’s road network, thus enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic growth.
