Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has addressed concerns raised by Kenyans on the proposal to increase the road maintenance levy saying it will not in any way impact fuel prices or the cost of living.
Murkomen acknowledged that there have been fears among Kenyans that the plan would negatively impact their financial situation.
“From the views we have received, many Kenyans are worried that an increase in the levy will result in a rise in the cost of living and fuel prices," Murkomen said in a statement.
He noted that as a ministry they will analyse the reports received on email and social media platforms as well as the submissions, and come up with a decision that captures their recommendations.
This, as he gave an undertaking that these views will be factored in in the formulation of the final report.
Kenyans had been given until today (July 8) to submit views on the proposed amendment to the Road Levy Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) order, 2016 to increase the levy on petrol and diesel.
"Pursuant to Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya on public participation, the ministry, through this Notice, hereby invites members of the public and stakeholders to various public participation forums to be conducted on Monday, 8th, July 2024," read the notice in part.
Murkomen, in consultation with his Treasury counterpart, sought to increase the levy from the current Sh18 to Sh25.
According to the CS, the ministry will explore other ways of getting the resources needed to maintain roads without raising the cost of living through an increase in petroleum prices.
“As suggested by Kenyans, we will only make this decision when we are certain that any revenue measures adopted will not result in a rise in the cost of living,” he said.
The plan to increase the levy, Murkomen explained was aimed at addressing the budgetary deficit of Sh78 billion which the ministry is currently grappling with in this financial year.
He has projected that with the current trend, the financial gap is expected to hit Sh315 billion in the 2028-29 financial year.
Murkomen revealed that there has been a considerable increase in the country's road network from 166,451 kilometres in 2016 to the current 239,122 kilometres and which requires regular maintenance.
Most of these abandoned roads, he said, are under the Low Volume Seal programme which have never been maintained in the last 10 years and are on the verge of being wiped away altogether.
“The Roads Maintenance Levy Review is, therefore, intended to fill this gap,” he said.
