MPs propose law change to give counties more say in road management
By Cy Muganda, August 12, 2025Members of Parliament are considering new legislation that would give county governments greater control over road management and ensure they receive a direct share of road maintenance funds.
In a statement released on its Facebook account on August 12, 2025, Parliament announced that the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, chaired by Ndia MP George Kariuki, was briefed on the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.
“The Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, chaired by Hon. George Kariuki (Ndia), was today briefed on the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” the statement reads.
Proposed legislation
According to parliament, the proposed legislation seeks to restructure Kenya’s road network management by introducing a clear classification system that distinguishes between national trunk roads managed by the national government and county roads managed by county governments.
This classification, they say, is intended to remove ambiguity in road responsibilities and improve planning, maintenance, and development across all 47 counties.
“Rooted in the principles of devolution and equitable development, the Bill seeks to align the Kenya Roads Act, Cap. 408 with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, specifically paragraph 5(a) of Part 2 of the Fourth schedule,” the statement added.
Key legislative changes
One of the most significant changes involves the reallocation of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, with 5% of RMLF funds designated for county governments under Article 202(2).
The reallocation would require adjustments to national agencies’ shares, including reducing the National Highways Authority’s allocation from 40% to 36%.
“An adjustment to national agencies’ shares (e.g., reducing the National Highways Authority’s allocation from 40% to 36%),” the statement further reads.
The Bill would also vest classification power in the Cabinet Secretary while mandating a five-year review cycle to ensure the system remains responsive to changing needs.
A new Section 47A would detail county government functions in managing county roads, including development, rehabilitation, traffic safety, and adherence to national standards.
Additionally, the legislation introduces mandatory road signage requirements, including strict penalties for politicisation, specifically prohibiting the use of personal names or images on road signs.
The proposed legislation will repeal and replace the First Schedule, categorising roads as national or county and further sub-classifying them based on purpose.
“The First Schedule will be repealed and replaced with a function-based classification, categorising roads as national or county, and further sub-classifying them based on purpose (e.g., urban collectors, special-purpose roads, inter-ward links),” the statement adds.
In an effort to promote accountability, the Bill further requires county governments to designate dedicated roads departments, maintain special accounts at the Central Bank, submit annual roads programmes, and comply with national standards.
“The Kenya Roads Board gains expanded powers to monitor and ensure compliance, and take remedial action where necessary,” the statement continues.