Kipchumba Murkomen, the Transport Cabinet Secretary, has stated that he inherited commitments totalling more than Sh900 billion from his predecessor.
Murkomen said his docket is going through a difficult time due to an outstanding bill of more than Sh140 billion.
“Because of the obligations and difficulties associated with the delivery of so many projects throughout the country,” he remarked, “it appears that I have been in office for a year.”
Murkomen stated that his office had done its best to work with delayed bill payments.
“We made progress six months later, we returned a number of contractors based on negotiation and consultations,” he said.
He also stated that the contractual works along Mombasa Road will begin shortly, as it has been impacted by the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway.
“We should be able to handle all Mombasa Road difficulties in less than a year.”
Murkomen stated after being sworn in in November 2022 that carrying out his mission would be difficult. The Roads CS stated that carrying out his mandate will be a tremendous undertaking.
He stated that after paying the outstanding bills, the government still has a commitment of Sh700 billion to complete road projects for which contracts have been signed.
“In the meantime, we’re dealing with a massive debt crisis.” “When we talk about pending bills, we don’t even discuss how we will proceed with other initiatives when we pay the money,” Murkomen explained.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority reports that 59 roads are under construction.
According to data on the Kenya National Roads Authority’s website, nine major highways are still under construction.
