Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen risks impeachment if he sanctions proposed changes by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to reduce funds allocated to constituencies.
Also, on the firing line is the current Director General, KeRRA, Engineer Philemon Kandie whom MPs accuse of making the drastic changes that seek to have allocations meant for constituencies shared with county governments.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, who raised the matter, claimed that the authority had sent out a circular that contained massive reductions on the KeRRA budgets for roads.
The Ugunja MP said the move would negatively affect a majority of Kenyans at the grassroots who rely on the funds for road maintenance across the country.
‘’This is a matter that can be a ground for impeachment of any person,’’ Wandayi said, claiming to have received a lot of inquiries from Kenyans following the move.
But in a statement presented by the leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah, the CS said the ceilings issued to KeRRA were based on the assumption that County Governments shall receive 15 per cent effective FY 2024/25 in line with resolution of players in the roads sector.
“It was noted that in the six financial years (FY 2015/16 to FY 2020/21) that counties received 15 per cent in accordance with the County Allocation of Revenue Act, KeRRA and KURA were allocated 21.8 per cent and 10.2 per cent, respectively on a prorated basis,” Murkomen said.
He added, “Noting that the road network administered under these two road agencies are within counties, both KeRRA and KURA have included county roads in their Annual Roads Work Programmes.”
The CS said the The Kenya Roads Board shall be guided by the resolution of Parliament as to whether county governments shall receive funding in FY 2024/25 for maintenance of county roads.
“In the event otherwise the ceilings to KeRRA shall be revised upwards,” he told members.
However, the position was vehemently opposed by members who maintained that parliament holds the veto power to approve budgetary allocations and not government department or agency.
“Power to allocate or alter budgetary allocations is held by parliament not any other body,” stated Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang.
Wandayi warned that parliament would take drastic measures against anybody or institution that would contemplate reducing the money. BY PEOPLE’S DAILY