Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has detailed new plans to address poor road networks in the country.
The Highways Authority is pushing to review the formula used in allocating funds, the Road Maintenance Fuel Levy (RMFL).
According to KeNHA, the review will be able to address the headache of poor road networks.
It would also address the issue of overpriced costs on road maintenance.
The new plan will also decrease the time taken to do repairs. It will allow for fast-tracking road projects and maintenance in the country.
To shied the new plan from opposition and the risk of being declared null and void, KeNHA has invited public participation before adopting the new strategy.
“The formula is expected to optimise absorption of the allocated funds and increase value for investment. The scientifically developed unit rates will ensure that works are procured based on current market prices,” Kenha stated.
Currently, road maintenance costs are estimated and negotiated with the contractors.
On the other hand, the country’s road network is maintained through the Kenya Roads Board Fund (KRBF).
KRBF is financed by proceeds of the Roads Maintenance Levy which is charged at Ksh18 per litre of petrol and diesel. Transit tolls also contribute to this kitty.
The funds collected by KRBF are shared among KeNHA, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KURRA), Kenya Wildlife Services, and county governments.
The new strategy will help the agencies fast-track the projects and deal with rogue contractors who fail to deliver on-road projects on time.
Loans and partnerships' fund most road projects. The Nairobi Expressway was built by the China Road Bridge Corporation, which tasked Moja Expressway to maintain the 27-kilometre elevated highway.
Nairobi- Nakuru Mau Summit dual carriage is set to be financed by African Development Bank, which allocated Ksh1.8 billion towards the project.
The Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway is set to be financed and built by a Korean firm.
