Kikuyu Constituency MP Kimani Ichung’wah has urged the government to allow governors to access more funds to improve the deteriorating state of roads across the country.

Speaking during a National Assembly session on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Ichung’wah expressed concern over the dire condition of roads in various counties. He recounted watching a video of a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) crying in front of a governor, pleading for resources to repair roads. This, he said, was not just a problem in Kiambu County but a national issue affecting many regions.

“Allow governors to access funds that will help our constituencies and ward representatives to do development projects. Yesterday, I was shocked when I watched a clip of an MCA shedding tears in front of the governor, pleading for resources to be allocated to a ward to at least maintain impassable roads. This is the state of the roads, not just in Kiambu County but across the country,” Ichung’wah stated.

Ksh10 billion withheld

He dismissed claims that the National Assembly was withholding Ksh10 billion meant for road maintenance, clarifying that the money was tied up due to a case involving the Council of Governors (COG). He explained that these funds, if released, would assist Kenya’s roads authorities in rehabilitating infrastructure.

The National Assembly Majority Leader also refuted allegations that Members of Parliament (MPs) manage road funds, explaining that the money is allocated to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), which oversee road construction and maintenance.

He emphasized the need for better collaboration between national and county governments to ensure that road projects are well-funded and properly executed for the benefit of all Kenyans.

“I know a few governors would lie and say that the National Assembly is holding Ksh10 billion for road maintenance; this is completely false. It is the Council of Governors through the case that is bound to be determined that has held close to Ksh10 billion that should be helping the Kenya roads authorities to rehabilitate roads. KERA assists those governors in maintaining some of the roads which may be a burden for those governors,” he said.

“Another narrative they are attempting to drive is again that these funds go to MPs, again that is far from the truth. MPS do not manage these funds, they go to the regional offices of KERRA and KURA. And it’s KERRA and KURA who superintend over the construction and maintenance of road in our constituencies,” Ichung’wah stated.