Kathiani Member of Parliament Robert Mbui has raised concerns over the government’s unilateral increase of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) without following legal procedures. Mbui asserted that any levy increment must be debated and approved by the National Assembly.
He criticized the lack of parliamentary discussion on the RMLF, describing its approval as an example of “the Executive continuously ignoring the law.”
“The government as constituted does not have the mandate to increase fuel levy by Ksh.7 without parliament’s approval,” he said speaking with Citizen TV on Monday.
“This should have been a gazette notice indicating that position and should have ended up in the committee of delegated legislation in the National Assembly so that it is approved by Parliament.”
In the latest price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) has increased from Ksh. 18 in the previous cycle to Ksh. 25. This adjustment comes despite widespread public participation that contested the increment and assurances from former Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen that public recommendations would be considered.
During a statement on July 8, Murkomen emphasized the government’s commitment to avoid increasing the levy in a way that would worsen the cost of living. He stated, “We will only make this decision when we are certain that any revenue measures adopted will not result in a rise in the cost of living.”
The Kenya Roads Board (KRB) had proposed three options for implementing the RMLF increment, each with significant implications. The new prices mean that consumers in Nairobi will now pay a maximum of Ksh. 188.84 per litre for super petrol, Ksh. 171.60 for diesel, and Ksh. 161.75 for kerosene.
