- Ruto says putting the RMLF under his control will improve efficiency.
- Claims current system leads to poor road construction prone to rain damage.
- Ksh.60 billion already disbursed to revive abandoned road projects.
- Senators back governors in pushing for county-level management of the fund.
- National Assembly vows to reject any bill including RMLF for counties.
- Case now in court as the funding row intensifies.
While addressing congregants in Narok County on Sunday, President William Ruto made a bold case for taking charge of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF). According to the Head of State, centralising control of the fund would speed up road construction across the country and ensure resources are put to better use.
“If I’m given the mandate, I can mobilise enough resources to build complete roads—not just bits that get washed away by rains,” Ruto declared.
He argued that the fragmented distribution of the fund currently limits progress, and that proper planning under his leadership would see Kenyans benefit more from every coin spent.
Ksh.60 Billion Already Released for Road Projects
Ruto also announced that the government had already released Ksh.60 billion to finish up stalled road works. He assured Kenyans that more funds would be released soon, promising smoother, more reliable road infrastructure across the country.
Senators vs MPs: Tug of War Over Who Controls the Fund
Even as Ruto made his pitch, the debate over who should manage the RMLF continues to split the political class. Senators, led by Kakamega’s Boni Khalwale, have taken sides with governors, insisting that the fund belongs at the county level.
“Governors should be the ones managing this money—not MPs who are simply after kickbacks,” Khalwale said.
On the other side, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah hit back, saying MPs are merely safeguarding the fund from what he termed as potential mismanagement by counties.
“We won’t pass the Revenue Bill if it includes the RMLF. That fund is a hot issue,” he cautioned.
Governors Move to Court Amid Heightened Tension
The fight has now landed in court. Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi confirmed that they’ve taken legal action to challenge the current trajectory and expressed hope for a ruling that will favour the county governments.
Power Struggle Over Funds Far From Over
The disagreement over RMLF has exposed deeper tensions between the national government, Parliament, and counties over development resources. As roads remain a major public concern, all eyes are now on Parliament, the courts, and State House to determine who ultimately gets to hold the purse strings.
