The Kenya Roads Board (KRB) has announced that it disbursed Ksh.38.8 billion for the maintenance of roads across the country for the financial year 2023/2024.
In a statement released to newsrooms, the State corporation highlighted that the disbursement from July to December 2023 marked a significant increase of up to Ksh.9.6 billion compared to the Ksh.29.17 billion released during the same period in the previous financial year.
KRB emphasized that this increase in funding would enable the government to maintain 54% of the road networks, amounting to 53,799 kilometers, thereby enhancing coverage.
Director General Rashid Mohamed stated, “The increase in funding will allow road agencies to better maintain roads across the country and increase the network coverage. This financial year, the board, through the road agencies, will be maintaining 53,799 kilometers of road networks, representing 54% of the maintainable road network.”
The funds will be channeled through various agencies in the Roads ministry, including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) also benefiting to aid in maintaining national park roads.
KeNHA received the largest allocation of Ksh.16.5 billion, followed closely by KeRRA with Ksh.16.4 billion for national rural roads. KURA, responsible for national urban roads, received Ksh.5.4 billion, while KWS was allocated Ksh.363.36 million.
“The funds consist of road maintenance levy and transit tolls and have been disbursed to the road agencies for implementation of road projects in accordance with the Annual Public Roads Programme FY 2023/2024,” noted the KRB Director General.
While urging State agencies to ensure accountability and transparency, DG Mohamed commended them for their prudence over the past three years. He assured the public of a transparent procurement process and road works.
“Road agencies posted improvements in road maintenance accountability in the last three financial years. The good ratings indicate that there is transparency, openness, and accountability, including public participation in financial matters, especially in drawing work plans by the respective road agencies. There has been sustained absorption of road maintenance funds over the years,” he stated.
“Road maintenance funds are used in a prudent and responsible way; and full disclosure and fiscal reporting are clear. Procurement is largely fair, transparent, and competitive. As an indicator that road works undertaken meet the prescribed standards, specifications, and best practices.”
