Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has welcomed the High Court’s ruling compelling the National Assembly to release Ksh 10.5 billion from the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) to county governments, describing it as a landmark decision that reinforces the spirit of devolution.
Speaking at his Matungu residence on Friday, Governor Barasa said the judgment marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest for equitable resource distribution. He emphasized that the release of the funds will allow counties to embark on long-overdue road repair and maintenance projects that have stalled due to financial constraints.
“This ruling is a turning point for devolution and a major victory for counties that have long been sidelined in resource allocation. It empowers us to improve vital infrastructure and enhance service delivery for our people,” said Barasa.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday by High Court Judge Justice Lawrence Mugambi, declared the National Assembly’s exclusion of counties from the RMLF unconstitutional. The court ordered that the Ksh 10.5 billion be disbursed to all devolved units by June 30, 2025.
Governor Barasa also praised opposition leader Raila Odinga for his continued advocacy in ensuring counties are fairly included in the national fiscal framework. “We thank Raila Odinga for standing firm on the principles of devolution and championing the rights of county governments,” he added.
The court decision brings an end to a protracted legal dispute between county governments and the National Assembly, a standoff that had strained relations among key political leaders and significantly impeded local development efforts.
With the court’s directive now in place, counties across the country are expected to expedite road maintenance and improvement programs, boosting connectivity and economic activity at the grassroots level.
Written By Rodney Mbua
