Gov't releases Ksh.38.8 billion for maintenance of roads

The Kenya Roads Board (KRB) now says it disbursed Ksh.38.8 billion for maintenance of roads countrywide for the financial year 2023/2024.

The State corporation, in a statement to newsrooms, said the July-December 2023 disbursement was an increase by upto Ksh.9.6 billion from the Ksh.29.17 billion released during the same period in the previous financial year.

KRB noted that the increase would enable the government to maintain 54 per cent of road networks which amounts to 53,799 Km, hence increasing coverage.

“The increase in funding will allow road agencies to better maintain roads across the country and increase the network coverage. This financial year the board through the road agencies will be maintaining 53,799 Km of road networks representing 54% of the maintainable road network," stated KRB Director General Rashid Mohamed.

DG Mohamed said the funds would be channeled through the various agencies in the Roads ministry including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) also benefiting to help in maintaining national park roads.

KeNHA had the lion's share by receiving Ksh.16.5 billion, with KeRRA which handles national rural roads following closely with a Ksh.16.4 billion allocation.

KURA, which maintains national urban roads, and KWS received Ksh.5.4 billion and Ksh.363.36 million respectively.

"The funds consist of road maintenance levy and transit tolls, and they have been disbursed to the road agencies for implementation of road projects in accordance with the Annual Public Roads Programme FY 2023/2024," the KRB boss noted.

While appealing to State agencies to ensure accountability and transparency of the money, DG Mohamed commended the aforementioned bodies for exhibiting prudence in the last three years.

He reassured the public of a transparent process of procurement and in the road works processes.

“Road agencies posted improvements in road maintenance accountability in the last three financial years. The good ratings indicate that there is transparency, openness and accountability, including public participation in financial matters especially in drawing work plans by the respective road agencies. There has been sustained absorption of road maintenance funds over the years," he stated.

"Road maintenance funds are used in a prudent and responsible way; and full disclosure and fiscal reporting is clear. Procurement is largely fair, transparent, and competitive. As an indicator that road works undertaken meet the prescribed standards, specifications and best practices."