Eng. Silas Kinoti, DG of Kenya Urban Roads Authority before the Special Funds Accounts Committee today, 19th Oct,2023 in Parliament.
The Special Funds Accounts Committee, led by Hon. Fatuma Mohamed, interrogated the Director General of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority regarding the Auditor General’s financial statements of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund for the years 2020/2021 and 2021/2022.
According to the Auditor General’s report presented before the committee, over 2.7 billion Kenyan Shillings in cash and cash equivalents were found, all deposited in the authority’s main account at KCB bank, with no other separate accounts discovered. In response, the Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti, confirmed the funds’ placement at KCB bank, supported by official statements.
Eng. Kinoti informed the committee about recent changes, stating, “Historically, both the administration and works funds were kept in a single account. However, the authority has now established a separate account specifically for the Road Maintenance Levy Fund.”
The Auditor General’s report also highlighted concerns about the maintenance of Nairobi Outering Road. Physical inspections in February 2022 revealed deficiencies, including missing barriers and lighting at the main junction of Outering Road and Thika Road, as well as open drainage and poorly maintained passage on the Tassia Road section.
James Njeru, Deputy Auditor General, emphasized these issues, stating, “The main junction lacked necessary safety features, and the Tassia Road section was marred by open drainage, garbage accumulation, and overgrown vegetation.”
Eng. Kinoti expressed his worry over the vandalism of road assets, especially metallic barriers. He informed the committee about ongoing efforts to combat this problem in collaboration with relevant authorities and stakeholders. “Vandalism of road assets, especially metallic ones, is a national challenge faced by all road agencies. KURA, in partnership with the National Police Service, has enhanced surveillance to prevent and apprehend vandals,” he reported.
Addressing drainage maintenance challenges in urban areas, Eng. Kinoti emphasized that solid waste dumping in drains falls beyond KURA’s jurisdiction. He revealed ongoing consultations with the Nairobi County government to implement policies ensuring clean roads. “We are working closely with the County Government of Nairobi to improve solid waste management along roads within the city. This includes monitoring and enforcing relevant laws and by-laws,” he stated.
Additionally, the committee discussed the vandalism of metal barriers along the Eastern Bypass Road and City Cabanas. The Deputy Auditor General, James Njeru, expressed concern over this issue, emphasizing the dangers posed to pedestrians. Eng. Kinoti assured the committee that KURA, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, is researching alternative materials to prevent such vandalism.
Regarding auditing procedures, Eng. Kinoti informed the committee that KURA utilizes Microsoft 365 systems, complying with the requirements set by the Auditor General. He affirmed that their systems are automated and up-to-date.
