Governors, Member of Parliament in row over funds

By FELIX OLICK

KENYA: Another devolution row is looming between governors and MPs.

The dispute is over the management of funds meant for construction, upgrading, rehabilitation and maintenance of roads at the county level.

MPs have vehemently opposed the reimbursement of the said funds to governors and instead want the same retained under their watch as it was during the Tenth Parliament.

This is in solidarity with the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kerra) that has recommended that the constituency roads committees should be retained until governors have the ‘capacity to handle the funds’.

“There is no way the money can be given to them directly. We know that there are some roads which if left to them they cannot do,” insisted Kinangop MP Stephen Kinyanjui during a parliamentary committee meeting on Transport.

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In a circular sent to parliamentary committee members, Kerra advises that the constituency roads committees should be retained but representatives from governors should be co-opted to take care of their interests.

According to the Finance Act 2009, Constituency Roads Committees in each constituency under the assistance of each Member of Parliament advises Kerra on the formulation of an annual roads programme and the roads to be included in it.

Prioritise projects

These committees thus prioritise projects within their jurisdiction and which are hence implemented under the supervision of Kerra.

“Since the Finance Act and the Roads Act have not been repealed, Constituency Roads Committees should be allowed to continue with their work,” said Kerra Director General Eng Mwangi Maingi.

The constituency roads committee comprises of four members from the respective Constituency Development Fund committees, area MP and a representative of Kerra in the region.

Under Schedule 4 of the new Constitution, county transport are among functions and powers given to county governments.

MPs on Thursday were unanimous that an Act is needed to back what is in the Constitution.