Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has praised the landmark High Court ruling directing the National Assembly to disburse Ksh 10.5 billion from the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) to county governments, calling it a “turning point in the fight for fair resource allocation.”
Speaking at his Matungu residence, Governor Barasa described the decision as a significant victory for devolution and a crucial step toward improving infrastructure across counties. “This ruling reaffirms the spirit of the Constitution in promoting equitable distribution of national resources. Counties can now undertake long-overdue road maintenance projects that have stalled due to lack of funding,” he said.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday by High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi, declared the exclusion of county governments from the RMLF unconstitutional. The court ordered the National Assembly to release the funds to the devolved units by June 30, 2025.
The judgment effectively ends a protracted legal standoff between the National Assembly and county governments over access to the RMLF. The impasse had not only caused friction among top political leaders but also hampered the ability of counties to maintain and improve road networks, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas.
Governor Barasa extended special thanks to ODM leader Raila Odinga, commending his advocacy for a more inclusive national resource framework. “Raila Odinga has been a consistent voice in defending the rights of county governments. His support played a key role in this historic victory,” Barasa noted.
With the court’s intervention, counties are expected to accelerate stalled road repair and maintenance projects, improving transport and economic productivity at the grassroots level.
The ruling also sets a legal precedent that could influence future debates on the division of revenue between national and county governments. Leaders across the political divide have been urged to respect the ruling and prioritize service delivery over political wrangles.
As counties gear up to receive the funds, Governor Barasa expressed optimism that this move will catalyze tangible development and bridge infrastructure gaps that have persisted for years.
