Blame Game as CS Murkomen Responds to Senator Ledama's Criticism Over Incomplete Road

A collage of Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen (left) and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina (right)
A collage of Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen (left) and Narok Senator Ledama Olekina (right)
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Kipchumba Murkomen/ Ledama Olekina

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was on Sunday forced to defend himself after Narok Senator put him on the spot over incomplete roads in his county.

In a statement, Murkomen blamed a cash crunch over the poor state of the road expressing that he was experiencing a tough time getting Treasury to disburse the funds to facilitate its completion.

According to Murkomen,  hesitance from the Treasury had forced contractors to down their tools.

The Cabinet Secretary revealed that he was working on convincing the contractors to get back on-site as he worked on making sure their pay was processed. 

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen inspecting the construction of the Nairobi Expressway CBD exit on December 20, 2023.
Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen inspecting the construction of the Nairobi Expressway CBD exit on December 20, 2023.
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Kipchumba Murkomen

"Negotiating with contractors to go on-site without any payment hasn’t been easy. We are working with the treasury to see if we can get some little cash to support. The contractor has been ready and willing but the financial support is pending," he stated.

However, Murkomen noted that the road was passable for the time being. He urged the residents to be patient until the construction was completed.

Ole Kina had questioned why the road was yet to be completed despite a promise from the CS while appearing before the Senate in a past session.

Ledama complained that the incomplete section was impassable during the rainy season hindering transport in the region.

The senator who was at the said road showed the distinction between the murram and tarmacked road and how motorists were forced to adjust to the change and brave the dusty road.

"My good friend Murkomen, you promised that in two weeks this road would be complete, but look at it now, you can't even complete six kilometres," he stated.

Olekina further accused the current regime of reneging on its promises to Kenyans since ascending into office. He complained that the leaders were all talk but no action, urging them to change.

He requested CS Murkomen to ensure the road is fixed by early next year, emphasising that he will follow up to monitor the progress.

CS Murkomen has been on the spot by fellow politicians due to incomplete and dilapidated roads across the country hindering movement and risking the lives of motorists.

Earlier, Murkomen had accused MPs of misappropriating funds meant for roads in their respective counties leading to poor road networks.

A section of the Garissa-Wajir highway was damaged by floods
A section of the Garissa-Wajir highway was damaged by floods
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Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA)