Constituencies get Sh30m for roads

The government has released Sh30 million to each constituency for improving the road network countrywide.

Roads minister Franklin Bett said another Sh7 million will be released to the Constituency Roads Committee (CRCs) to identify priority feeder roads at the grassroots, which need to be improved.

“A Ministry of Roads official will be sent to every constituency to liaise with the CRCs in identifying the roads which need upgrading,” said Mr Bett.

He urged local leaders including MPs and councillors to ensure that the views of the people at the grassroots are put into consideration.

Speaking Monday at Kabarnet town in Baringo Central constituency where he inspected the state of roads in the area, the minister disclosed that another Sh50 million has been released for the improvement of dilapidated Kasoiyo-Tenges-Saos roads.

The Bureti MP also inspected the Karandi-Marigat-Mochongoi road he disclosed that Sh60 million has already been set aside for architectural design of the road which will connect the area to neighbouring Marigat, Nakuru and Kabarnet  towns.

Local leaders including former president Daniel arap Moi had decried the poor state of the road, which has hampered communication and contributed to sharp increase of road accidents in the area.

Mr Bett directed road officials to ensure that the funds are well utilised adding that an audit into financial statements for last year’s Sh37 million has already been launched.

Nominated MP Musa Sirma, who accompanied the minister, dismissed claims that Baringo was favoured in terms of development during Moi’s regime.

“Like many other parts of the country Baringo is grappling with many problems. Moi was a national leader not a community kingpin,” said Mr Sirma.