The strained relationship between county and federal governments over management and maintenance of road networks has taken a new dimension.
Speaking on Saturday, Kisii county executive in charge of Roads, Public Works and Transport J. F Omwoyo accused the national government over the alleged sabotage in construction of roads within Kisii and its environs.
The tussle between the two levels of government has escalated and may jeopardise construction and repairing roads across the 47 counties.
The council of governors is currently engaged in consultations with the Transition Authority (TA) over the transfer of some functions and power to county governments.
Last year, furious residents of Kisii town protested at the county offices blaming the governor over deteriorating conditions of many roads across the rapidly growing town.
John Maranga, a resident, says that many feeder roads across the town are impassable during the rainy season. He adds that the town is experiencing unnecessary traffic jams which is making business operations cumbersome.
“Many roads are in a poor state. There is a lot of congestion around,” said Maranga.
However, Omwoyo said the county government has no jurisdiction to rectify the roads menace in the county. He said many of the roads in contention are under the mandate of either Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA) or the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
“We are always ready to take the obligation of roads repair if the national government devolves it. Many residents blame us for the mess not knowing it is not our role,” said Omwoyo.
Articles 186, 187, and 189 of the constitution stipulate the functions of county governments, transfer of functions and cooperation of both governments respectively. Pursuant to these articles, these governments should work collectively.
But Omwoyo said the TA has failed to honour the aforementioned articles despite the counties readiness to assume the functions.
“The counties are ready to take the function if the TA delegates it expeditiously,” said Omwoyo.
According to him, the county government has commenced construction activities of feeder roads across 45 wards that will cover 250 kilometres.
He added that his ministry is in consultation with various stakeholders to find designated parking areas for motorbike operators.