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{
    "id": 1473654,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1473654/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 319,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Chirchir",
    "speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13110,
        "legal_name": "Zipporah Jepchirchir Kittony",
        "slug": "zipporah-jepchirchir-kittony"
    },
    "content": "The contributor to the financing gap that is related to the maintenance need of the road network includes anticipated adverse trends in the roughness indices for the road network if the available resources for maintenance do not increase. Roughness index is a technical term used internationally within road sector and is a well-known measure of road condition. Madam Temporary Speaker, because of the above-mentioned funding gap in road maintenance, my Ministry has not been able to perform all the required maintenance. Indeed, in the financial year just ended, the road agencies for the first time ever were forced to suspend award of a number of already tendered maintenance activities due to lack of budget. Following from the above situation, a proposal for review of the Road Maintenance Levy by Kshs7 from Kshs18 to Kshs25 was formulated several months ago to partially fill the maintenance gap. On Monday, 8th July, 2024, public participation was held countrywide to discuss the proposal for review of the Fuel Levy and from the views received, two themes stood out. Firstly, many Kenyans were worried that an increase in the levy might result in rising the cost of living. Secondly, most Kenyans expected, and indeed, require that the significant gains made in the condition and extent of the road network at great cost to Kenyans should not be allowed to fall into a state of disrepair and dilapidation for want of timely maintenance and resources. Madam Temporary Speaker, this feedback from public participation was received more so in the context of recent events. The Ministry was able to revert and consult intensively and subsequently came up with a way forward that closely reflected the will and well-being of the people, including, their wish to be served by a properly functioning road network without increasing pump price for fuel and driving up the cost of living. I would not be exaggerating to say that the recent adjustment in the Fuel Levy rates was a critical, vital and urgent step without which the heavy investment of recent years in building new roads would ultimately prove to be in vain. As part of the drive to secure adequate road maintenance resources and direct them towards where they are most needed, the Ministry, through the appropriate channels and procedures, will be proposing consideration of a legislative adjustment, so that a certain portion of the Fuel Levy, which is earmarked for rural roads, can be ring-fenced and directly prioritised by KeRRA for maintenance of paved and other connector rural roads. We believe that the proposed refinement to the management of Road Maintenance Fund for rural roads, should it find favour and approval through the relevant procedures, will be the key to a material improvement in the maintenance of particularly paved rural roads. That was on the maintenance. Madam Temporary Speaker, on the development, in March this year, this distinguished House was apprised by my predecessor about the situation at the time with regard to the development vote. It was reported that the pending bills on various projects as of 31st December, 2023, was at Kshs162 billion. The updated pending bills as of 30th June, 2024 stood at Kshs165 billion. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}