President William Ruto has appealed to lawmakers to grant him authority over the disbursement of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), as tensions rise between different arms of government over control of the Ksh.10.5 billion kitty.
Speaking during a church service in Narok County on Sunday, President Ruto argued that placing the fund under his direct management would fast-track road development and enhance efficiency in resource allocation.
“If you leave it to me, I can gather enough funds to build all roads,” Ruto stated. “The money currently being distributed allows for only small portions of roads to be built, which are later destroyed by rains. I urge you to let me plan that money in a way that benefits Kenyans more.”
The Head of State revealed that the government has already released Ksh.60 billion to complete stalled road projects and pledged further disbursements in the coming months.
His call comes amid a fierce tug-of-war between the Senate, National Assembly, and county governments. Senators have thrown their support behind governors in seeking control of the RMLF, vowing to reject the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, 2025, if the fund is excluded.
“The money should be controlled by governors,” Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale asserted. “MPs just want it for corruption purposes.”
However, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah dismissed the senators’ push, stating that MPs are protecting the fund from potential misuse by county officials.
“As a House, we will process the revenue bill without RMLF. It will not pass if it includes that fund. RMLF is a live wire,” he warned.
Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi confirmed the matter is in court, expressing optimism for a favourable ruling.
The impasse continues to highlight the growing friction between national and county governments over control of key development funds.
