President William Ruto has broken his silence on the upward review of the Road Maintenance Levy by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Ruto addressed the matter hours after EPRA increased the Road Maintenance Levy by 35% during its monthly review of pump prices.
President Ruto was speaking in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County on Monday when he justified the increase, maintaining that the government was keen on making sure Kenyans enjoy good roads.
EPRA effected the changes following proposals by the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), a move that attracted widespread criticism.
In his speech, the Head of State lauded the government’s move to increase the levy arguing that it will his administration to have enough funds set aside for the maintenance of roads.
Ruto on Increased Road Maintenance Levy
Ruto at the same time argued that the increase had not affected the total prices of fuel announced by EPRA on Sunday evening.
“Today we have made a significant progress as government. We have made sure that we collect enough money raised from fuel levy so that we finish the roads that are currently stalled and those that have potholes, for transport to run smoothly. We also made sure that the fuel levy doesn’t affect Kenyans as the prices at the pump,” he said.
Also Read: EPRA Reduces Fuel Prices for July & August Cycle
The President further justified the move saying that revenue raised from the levies does not amount to Kenyans paying more rather is part of his government’s agenda to grow the economy.
“Whatever we are doing to make sure that we have resources to ensure that we look after, and we also repair our roads. Whatever we are doing in building new roads and repairing others does not translate to more money being paid by Kenyans, it translates to an exercise that will ensure all Kenyans use appropriate roads for us to grow our economy,” added Ruto.
Also Read: Govt Makes U-Turn, Increases Road Maintenance Levy
Following the review, Road Maintenance Levy jumped by 35%, from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per liter.
Levy Increased
The Regulatory authority made the announcement on Sunday, July 14, 2024, when it reviewed fuel prices for the July – August cycle.
This increase came despite earlier assurance by the government.
Before his dismissal from Cabinet, former Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had promised that the government would explore other funding options after the public participation phase was concluded.
While responding to concerns raised by many Kenyans who were worried that an increase in the levy would result in a rise in the cost of living, Murkomen warned Kenyans that should EPRA not impose the levy, most roads constructed in the last decade would go into ruins.
The ex-CS however said that the government would analyze feedback and submissions made in the public participations to come up with a decision that corresponds with the recommendations from the public.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
