Tharaka Nithi Governor Slams MPs Over Road Maintenance Funds Standoff
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki during launch of National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project at his Ruguri official residence. Photo/ Alex Njeru.
By Alex Njeru
Worth Noting:
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Governor Njuki accused MPs of misleading the public with false promises of funding for road projects, claiming they were pushing billions to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) for road development.
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He countered that MPs control these funds through constituency road boards, where they exert significant influence over the allocation and use of funds.
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“Kenyans are not just losing road funds, they are losing other critical resources because of this ongoing battle,” Njuki warned, citing potential losses of Sh34.5 billion under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), which currently benefits 33 counties.
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He called for an amendment to the law to separate the management of local and international funds, preventing such political squabbles from affecting development.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has launched a blistering attack on Members of Parliament over their controversial stance on the Sh10.5 billion Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), warning that the ongoing dispute could jeopardize the country’s economic progress and vital development projects.
Speaking at his official residence in Ruguri, situated within the Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency, Njuki expressed his deep concerns over the mounting standoff between the Council of Governors and MPs, particularly the control and disbursement of the RMLF.
He emphasized that the impasse is not just hindering road infrastructure but threatening essential funds meant for various development projects across the country.
“It is crucial that this standoff is resolved swiftly, or else we risk losing millions in funding meant for crucial programs,” Njuki said.
He revealed that one of the most significant casualties of the RMLF delay is the Emergency Locust Response Programme from the World Bank, which allocates Sh9.5 billion. His county alone stands to lose Sh55 million in just three months if the situation persists.
Governor Njuki accused MPs of misleading the public with false promises of funding for road projects, claiming they were pushing billions to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) for road development.
He countered that MPs control these funds through constituency road boards, where they exert significant influence over the allocation and use of funds.
“Kenyans are not just losing road funds, they are losing other critical resources because of this ongoing battle,” Njuki warned, citing potential losses of Sh34.5 billion under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), which currently benefits 33 counties.
He called for an amendment to the law to separate the management of local and international funds, preventing such political squabbles from affecting development.
“It’s high time we separate the management of local and international conditional grants,” he argued.
“This will ensure that essential resources benefiting our people are not caught up in local political disagreements.”
Njuki also took aim at National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa, who recently criticized counties for failing to tarmac roads.
The Governor defended his administration’s record, highlighting the successful tarmacking of nearly 100 kilometers of roads in the county, including the Mitheru-Kaanwa, Chogoria town streets, Kibugua market streets, and Kathwana town streets.
However, he acknowledged that some projects had stalled due to a lack of funding, including the Tunyai-Nthaara road.
The governor underscored that despite financial constraints, Tharaka Nithi County was still making progress in road development.
In addition to the ongoing road funding dispute, Governor Njuki also took issue with MPs who have accused governors of corruption.
He pointed out that county leaders, including himself, regularly appear before parliamentary committees to answer audit queries, while MPs are rarely held to similar accountability for their actions.
“The MPs are not in possession of the facts, and they need to understand that it is the ordinary Kenyans who suffer due to poor roads,” Njuki remarked.
“For Tharaka Nithi County, we’ve already lost Sh320 million in road maintenance funds, and this is why some roads remain in poor condition.”
Support for Development Agenda
Tharaka Nithi’s Deputy Governor, Nyaga Muisrael, fully backed Governor Njuki’s stance, praising his efforts to promote the economic growth of the county’s residents.
Muisrael urged small-scale farmers to embrace modern farming technology to improve their productivity.
“We must focus on technology and innovation in agriculture,” Muisrael said, urging farmers to take advantage of new opportunities.
He also encouraged the youth to steer clear of alcohol and direct their energy toward farming to build financial stability.
Muisrael further appealed to Governor Njuki to stay focused on development despite efforts by some individuals to distract him from his mission.
Local Leaders Show Support
Tharaka Nithi County Assembly Agriculture Committee Chairperson, and Mugwe Representative, Kiriko, expressed support for the NAVCDP, urging youths to embrace agribusiness as a way to improve their economic status.
He encouraged farmers to form cooperative societies (SACCOs) to benefit from government programs.
Similarly, County Assembly Water and Natural Resources Committee Chairperson, Zachary Kinyua, lauded the project, noting its potential to boost the local economy.
Kinyua praised Njuki’s administration for its efforts in ensuring that his people are not left behind in development.
“Governor Njuki has demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that his people benefit from all available resources, and we fully support him,” Kinyua said.
Political Forecast
Muthini Karangi, the Administration and Devolution executive, emphasized that the success of the NAVCDP was a direct result of Governor Njuki’s leadership.
He also criticized the National Assembly for undermining county governments by withholding the Road Maintenance Fund.
Karangi suggested that MPs targeting the county’s development agenda would ultimately face consequences.
“The MPs are sabotaging counties and passing laws that curtail development,” Karangi said. “Those who are fighting Njuki politically are provoking a sleeping ‘lion’. When it wakes up, they will regret it.”
Karangi further indicated that Njuki, a potential contender for future political positions, would continue to prioritize development and that those opposing him should be prepared for the political repercussions of their actions.
“Governor Njuki is unstoppable. Those fighting him should conserve their energy for when the ‘lion’ wakes up,” Karangi remarked, predicting that Njuki would remain a formidable force in the political arena in the coming years.
As the political battle over the RMLF continues to unfold, Tharaka Nithi’s leaders remain united behind Governor Muthomi Njuki, committed to ensuring the county’s development and protecting vital funds from political interference.
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