The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has clarified on how funds collected through the Road Maintenance Levy (RMLF) will be used.

In a statement released on Wednesday August 14, KeNHA explained that the RMLF, managed by the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), is vital for the maintenance of the nation’s road infrastructure.

“The RMLF, administered by the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), is a critical source of funding aimed specifically at maintaining existing roads across the country,” read the statement in part.

The authority emphasized that the funding received from the RMLF played a huge part in ensuring roads remain safe and reliable for public use.

“It ensures that our roads remain safe and reliable for all users,” said KeNHA.

KeNHA Outlines How the Funds Will Be Used

They explained that the levy, which is primarily collected from fuel taxes, is designated for routine maintenance, repairs, and rehabilitation of existing roads across the country.

“Collected primarily from fuel levies, the fund is used for routine maintenance, repairs, and rehabilitation of roads under various authorities,” explained KeNHA.

Also Read: LSK Issues Ultimatum on Road Maintenance Levy Hike

The authority however noted that the collected funds are specifically used for road maintenance and thus cannot be used for the construction of new roads.

Also, KeNHA explained that should tolling policy be successfully implemented, the fees collected will be reinvested into the maintenance of the specific roads they are collected from.

“In the event of successful tolling, the collected fees will then be used to maintain and rehabilitate the specific road that they are collected from.”

How the RMLF Will Be Used If the Toll Policy Is Implemented

This move could potentially allow the RMLF to be redirected towards the funding of new road projects since the tolled roads would be self-sustaining.

“This could free RMLF to fund new road projects as the tolled roads may not be candidates for the RMLF fund.”

Additionally, KeNHA reiterated its commitment to transparency and efficiency in the management of the funds so as to improve road safety and quality for all Kenyans.

“KeNHA remains committed to work within the approved policies set by the Kenya Roads Board to ensure that the funds are used efficiently and transparently to improve the safety and quality of highways for all Kenyans,” concluded the statement.

LSK Issues Ultimatum on Road Maintenance Levy Hike

KeNHA’s clarification comes weeks after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) voiced their concern over the levy’s increase from Ksh 18 to Ksh 25 per liter, terming it as illegal.

LSK President, Faith Odhiambo in a statement made on July 22, argued that the price hike was not founded on proper law and undermined the principles of transparency, accountability and public participation as enshrined in the Constitution.

Also Read: Ruto Speaks on Increased Road Maintenance Levy After Public Uproar

Furthermore, the Society criticized the Ministry of Roads and Transport for failing to adequately incorporate the public’s feedback, which overwhelmingly opposed raising the levy.

“The public was unequivocal in its views that an increase in the RML would further exacerbate the cost of living in the country,” read the statement in part.

As a result, the society called for an immediate reversal of what it termed as an “unconstitutional and procedurally flawed action” by the Ministry.

They warned that if this does not happen, they would pursue all legal avenues to ensure the government complies with the law.

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