UDA, ODM MPs Gang Up Against KeRRA Over Ksh10.5 Billion Funding Freeze
Members of Parliament from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) banded together on Wednesday to criticize a government agency for a move they described as unfair and unconstitutional.
In a rare occurrence, Members of Parliament from the UDA and ODM banded together to condemn the government agency’s decision.
During Parliament sessions with the Transport Committee, MPs questioned the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) about the revision of ceilings for funds allocated to the construction of constituency roads.
Following the reduction, ODM Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch requested a statement from the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.
Oluoch demanded an explanation for the systemic reduction in the allocation of 22% and 10% funding to KeRRA for road construction and maintenance.
“In the recent past, there has been a systematic reduction of the 22% and 10% constituency ceiling allocation issued by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority,” the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)-allied MP complained.
Members of Parliament claim that the reduced allocation is limiting development in their constituencies.
“The High Court in Nairobi issued an interim conservatory order on August 19, 2024, directing the Kenya Roads Board to freeze and withhold funds collected in FY 2024/2025 to the extent of Kshs. 10.52 billion to be allocated to County Governments,” MP Oluoch continued.
Supporting his ODM counterpart, Buuri UDA MP Rindikiri Mugambi questioned why the Kenya Roads Board made annual adjustments without consulting Parliament, despite the fact that an agreed-upon formula exists.
“I wonder why the Kenya Roads Board does not consult the House of Parliament and instead chooses to consult with the Council of Governors when coming up with the revisions yet it is Parliament that allocates these funds,” the MP inquired.
Hon. Junet Mohammed, Minority Party Leader and ODM candidate for Suna East expressed concern about the management of both the Kenya Roads Board and KeRRA.
He pointed out that this was not the first time the two road authorities had revised ceilings without proper consultation and then issued circulars in response to public outcry.
Hon John Kiarie, UDA’s Dagoretti South MP, accused the Council of Governors of interfering.
This comes after the council of governors went to court to fight for funds allocated to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority for the construction of rural roads in constituencies.
UDA’s Tharaka MP George Murugara and ODM’s Kisii County MP, Hon. Doris Aburi, both stated that the only development taking place in the constituencies is through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), which will soon be halted due to a court ruling deeming it unconstitutional.
Responding to the MP’s questions, Transport Committee Chairperson and Ndia MP Hon George Kariuki revealed that he had contacted the Ministry upon receiving the circular questioning.
Kariuki criticized KeRRA for failing to consult Parliament, noting that the circular was later withdrawn as a result of his interventions.
Members of parliament have called for the immediate revocation of the circular on the reduction and return to the status quo on ceilings for the fiscal year 2024/25.
UDA, ODM MPs Gang Up Against KeRRA Over Ksh10.5 Billion Funding Freeze
