Murang'a: Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has strongly emphasised the need for county governments to manage the Road Maintenance Levy to improve infrastructure in counties. Speaking during the official launch of cabro-paved roads at Greystone shopping centre in Gatanga Sub County under the Smart City Programme, Kang'ata underscored the importance of allocating such funds to county administrations to boost local road maintenance.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kang'ata stated, 'The majority of roads that require maintenance are in villages and towns, which fall under the jurisdiction of county governments.' He added, 'Yet, all the money collected from the Road Maintenance Levy goes to the national government. We are calling for a fair share of this fund so that we can improve road conditions and ensure safe, accessible transportation for our people.'
Currently, the Road Maintenance Levy, which collects about Sh100 billion annually through a charge of Sh25 per litre of fuel, remains a contentious issue between the national and county governments over equitable distribution. Governor Kang'ata noted that Murang'a County could greatly benefit if just a portion of this levy was allocated directly to county administrations.
He said that with such support, counties could upgrade critical infrastructure like roads leading to schools, health centres, and markets, thus making services more accessible to residents. 'These roads are used daily by school children, expectant mothers, farmers, and traders. Giving counties a share of this levy would be an investment in the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans, especially those in rural areas,' he said on Monday.
Murang'a county government, he explained, has embarked on improving streets and roads within all local towns and shopping centres with the aim of boosting businesses by providing a conducive operating environment. The Smart City Programme, which aims to modernise urban infrastructure in towns across Murang'a, includes cabro road upgrades, street lighting, and improved drainage systems.
Kakuzi-Mitubiri ward MCA Steven Muigai echoed the Governor's sentiments, praising the initiative and noting its direct impact on the daily lives of residents. 'For many years, residents here have endured impassable roads, especially during rainy seasons. Rains could disrupt market days, thus causing losses to traders,' said Muigai.
The MCA continued, 'Today, we are witnessing real change. These cabro roads are not just beautifying our towns but improving accessibility, boosting trade, and raising property values. We thank the leadership of Murang'a county government for prioritising development at grassroots areas like here in Kakuzi-Mitubiri ward.'
Both leaders emphasised the need for continued collaboration between national and county governments to ensure that development reaches every corner of the country.