Increased road networks, aging infrastructure, and a significant backlog in maintenance, combined with stagnant revenue collection, have led the government to raise the road maintenance levy fund.
Roads CS Davis Chirchir defended this controversial move during a Senate session, stating it was essential for preserving the nation’s road infrastructure. “I would not be exaggerating to say that the recent adjustment in the fuel levy rate was a critical, vital, and urgent step. Without it, the substantial investments made in building new roads could ultimately be wasted,” he said.
The ministry raised the levies from Sh18 to Sh25 per litre. Chirchir noted that the country’s total road network has expanded from 161,451 km in 2016 to 239,122 km in 2024, with paved roads increasing by 47% over the same period, totaling 25,411 km.
However, an aging road network and substantial maintenance backlog necessitate significant funding. “Many paved roads lack dedicated maintenance funding and are effectively neglected. Increased urbanization has also created a greater need for maintenance in these areas,” he explained.
Despite the necessity, maintenance efforts have been stymied by stagnant Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) collections, inflation, and rising roadwork costs. For the 2024-25 financial year, essential maintenance for national roads is projected to cost Sh157 billion, while anticipated fuel levy collections are only Sh79 billion, resulting in a Sh78 billion shortfall.
Factors contributing to this funding gap include climate change and expected deterioration in road quality. “Due to this funding gap, my ministry has been unable to perform all necessary maintenance. Last year, road agencies had to suspend several tendered maintenance projects because of budget constraints,” Chirchir said.
The ministry engaged in nationwide public consultations regarding the proposed fuel levy increase. Respondents expressed concerns that this could lead to a higher cost of living. “Most Kenyans believe that the significant improvements made to our road network, at great cost, should not deteriorate due to a lack of timely maintenance and resources,” he stated.
To ensure adequate funding for road maintenance, the ministry plans to propose legislative adjustments to earmark part of the levy specifically for maintaining Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) roads. “We believe this refinement will significantly enhance the maintenance of paved rural roads,” he added.
Established in 1993, the RMLF aims to provide sustainable resources for road maintenance and is adjusted as necessary. The last change was in 2016, when the fuel levy was set at Sh18 per litre. “However, by 2024, an unsustainably large financing gap had emerged between the cost of essential road maintenance and the resources collected from the fuel levy,” the CS explained.
