Written By Lisa Murimi
Members of the National Assembly have expressed concerns over recent reductions in funding for constituency road projects by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
The issue was raised by Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, who requested a statement from the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure regarding the budget cuts.
Oluoch highlighted a reduction in the 22% and 10% constituency ceiling allocations by KeRRA, questioning the rationale behind these changes, which he believes will hinder development in constituencies.
He also referenced a High Court order freezing Sh10.52 billion allocated to counties for the 2024-2025 financial year.
Buuri MP Rindikiri Mugambi criticized the Kenya Roads Board for making annual adjustments without consulting Parliament, instead consulting with governors.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie warned that this interference could negatively impact local development.
The MPs condemned the Council of Governors for challenging rural road construction funds in court.
Tharaka MP George Murugara and Kisii County MP Doris Aburi pointed out the disparity in the quality of projects funded by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) versus those by counties.
In response, Transport Committee Chairperson George Kariuki revealed that a funding cut circular had been withdrawn after his intervention.
MPs called for a full reversal of the cuts and a review of the fuel levy allocation.
