On Tuesday, April 22, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o launched a sharp attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of undermining devolution. The governor’s criticism focused on the ongoing dispute between the county government and the national government over the management of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF).
The national government insists that the management of this fund be transferred under its control, a move Nyong’o views as an attempt to sabotage the spirit of devolution.In a strongly worded letter, Nyong’o pointed out the continuing operation of national road agencies, such as the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA), questioning how these agencies could coexist with devolved systems.
The governor argued that the presence of these national agencies undermines the very essence of devolution, which is supposed to give more power and control to local governments. Nyong’o expressed disbelief at President Ruto’s position, especially since it seems to disregard the core principles that were established with the Constitution of 2010, which was designed to enhance local governance and regional development.
The issue first gained national attention when President Ruto made remarks during an Easter Sunday service in Ntulele, Narok County. The president indicated that the national government was considering taking full control over road maintenance.
He argued that this move would eliminate overlapping responsibilities and lead to better resource management, ensuring more effective and sustainable infrastructure development.
Ruto’s argument was that centralizing the management of road funds under the national government would promote efficiency and long-term outcomes for the country’s road network.
However, Governor Nyong’o saw this as a clear power grab, accusing Ruto’s government of attempting to revert the country back to a time before devolution. The governor claimed that the current administration wanted to turn back the clock to the Nyayo era, where centralized control was the norm.
Nyong’o strongly criticized what he called a “primitive accumulation scheme” by the Ruto regime, suggesting that the president was undermining the achievements of devolution for personal or political gain.
To further make his case, Nyong’o referenced the mismanagement of the Kenyatta National Hospital, pointing to the inefficiency of national government-run services as evidence that centralization would not work in the country’s best interest.
He argued that devolved systems, especially in areas like healthcare and infrastructure, have proven to be more effective in addressing the local needs of citizens. Nyong’o’s comments also struck a chord with many who have long questioned the national government’s handling of key public services.
The issue surrounding the management of the RMLF is not new. Tensions between Members of Parliament and the Council of Governors (CoG) have been brewing for some time, with both sides claiming the right to control the fund.
Governors argue that they should have a say in how the RMLF is managed since they are directly involved in road development at the county level. They also contend that the fund comes from a gasoline levy, which is a shared resource, and therefore, counties should be equally entitled to its allocation.
In March, the feud escalated when governors refused to drop a court case against MPs over the fund’s management. Despite the ongoing conflict, one key player in this debate has often been overlooked, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Roads, Infrastructure, and Energy.
This committee holds significant power over how road funding is allocated and monitored each fiscal year. While public attention tends to focus on agencies like KeRRA, KURA, or the governors themselves, it is this committee that ultimately controls the distribution of billions of dollars in road maintenance funds.
The dispute over who controls road repair funds is more than just a financial issue; it is a symbolic battle over the future of devolution in Kenya. Governor Nyong’o’s comments reflect deep concerns that centralizing control of vital resources will undermine the progress made over the past decade.
The question now remains whether the national government will continue its push for greater control or whether the governors will succeed in maintaining their authority over these crucial funds.
