Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir is the latest county leader to firmly criticise President William Ruto over the contentious issue of who should be allowed access to a greater share of funds meant for road maintenance and development.
In a statement on Sunday, April 27, Governor Abdulswamad echoed the frustrations expressed by several county bosses across the country as he questioned why the government wanted to control billions in road maintenance funds despite the clear mandate given to county governments under the Kenyan constitution.
"If the Kenyan Constitution says county roads should be managed by the county government, why should the national government decide to keep the money, and why should the usage of those funds be used by people not familiar with our problems?" the governor posed.
The governor, who doubles up as the deputy party leader of the Raila-led Orange Democratic Party (ODM), says funds allocated for road works and infrastructure should remain within the counties, since governors and local officials have a better understanding of the specific needs of their communities.
He specifically pointed to Nyali's link road as a prime example, stating, "Whenever there are problems with our roads, they always say, 'The county government is not working'."
"For this road, they must accept that the money must stay in the county government. Billions in funds should not stay in Nairobi. That is not what devolution was supposed to bring."
Last Sunday, the president hinted at taking up the issue of road maintenance, insisting that leaving it to the national government would end the overlapping responsibilities and ensure effective management of resources.
While speaking at an Easter Sunday service at Ntulele, Narok County, President Ruto assured that he would guarantee infrastructure development and long-term results if the funds were allocated to the national government.
These remarks were met with resistance from governors, with Kisumu County boss Anyang’ Nyong’o accusing Ruto of a blatant attempt at a power grab.
Governors have consistently argued that they are equally entitled to the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, insisting they are equally involved directly in road construction. They also argue that the fund originates from a shared fuel levy.
Amid the tussle over who should manage road maintenance funds, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Roads, Infrastructure and Energy remains the key influencer in how the billions in road funding are allocated and monitored each financial year.
Since the committee approves the framework and road budgets that determine who gets what, it remains at the heart of the debate over whether counties should control a greater share of road funds or whether the national government should be given central control for “efficiency,” as President Ruto argues.
