Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen has addressed calls from some members of the public pushing him to resign.
Speaking in an interview on Spice FM, Murkomen defended his performance at the Ministry of Transport while highlighting some of his achievements to downplay the resignation calls.
Murkomen said his conscience was clear, and that he had done everything in his power to make the Ministry work despite not getting significant funding due to the prevailing financial situation.
“For not getting money, the responsibility of getting the money is not mine. If I had received the money and not delivered, then I would have no choice,” stated Murkomen.
In his defense, the CS claimed that he had no regrets on anything since he had done everything in his power to make the ministry work.
“My conscience is clear, and I have over 200% in my power,” said CS Roads.
According to him, the Kenya Kwanza government has not initiated new projects within the Ministry of Transport, emphasizing that instead it is committed to completing unfinished projects and maintaining existing roads.
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Murkomen Speaks on Resignation
“We have not been able to start any new construction as the Ministry has not been receiving enough funds,” he added.
Addressing main challenges facing the crucial Ministry, Murkomen highlighted budgeting issues as the main obstacle, noting that contractors receive only partial payments, hindering the completion of their projects.
In defense of his tenure, the CS highlighted that 1,000 kilometers of roads have been completed since he took office. However, he admitted that the lack of funds has delayed the completion of roads in Lironi, Kisii, and near the airport, as contractors continue to face payment issues.
In addition, the transport minister addressed concerns over the newly proposed adjustment of the Road Maintenance Levy.
He assured the public that his Ministry had conducted public participation on the road maintenance levy and that public interests would be taken into consideration.
Additionally, he mentioned the formation of a proper maintenance manual to guide performance-based infrastructure projects.
On the progress at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Murkomen reported that the issue of leaking roofs had been resolved. He went on to state that senior positions at the Kenya Airports Authority have been filled to ensure smooth operations at the Airport.
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The CS also highlighted that the Kenya Kwanza administration had facilitated the introduction of new routes to Kabunde in Homabay, Migori, Kakamega, and a new airstrip in Matulo, Bungoma County, as part of his ministry’s achievements.
“In the transport sector, we are doing very well as an administration,” he claimed.
However, the CS faced public scrutiny after revealing the cost of his luxury items in an interview with comedian and emcee Oga Obinna.
He disclosed that his most expensive watch cost about Ksh900,000, his priciest shoes between Ksh70,000 and 80,000, and his most costly belt around Ksh40,000, sparking reactions and allegations of corruption within the ministry.
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PHOTO/JKIA
