The debate on who should manage road maintenance funds has renewed political tension between Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
Governor Nassir has expressed support for full devolution of the Road Maintenance Levy. MP Ali, however, criticised the governor, saying he is avoiding accountability.
Ali has been out of the public eye recently due to a ligament injury he sustained during the East Africa Community Parliamentary Games in November last year.
On Tuesday, Governor Nassir said counties should be judged based on the resources they control.
His remarks came after residents raised concerns about flash floods in the area.
Businessman and politician Awiti Bolo said the poor condition of some roads is concerning.
He noted that the flooding affects the image of both the county and national governments.
Awiti called for urgent collaboration between the two levels of government to find lasting solutions to the recurring floods.
Some of the affected roads include Beach Road, Ziwa la Ng’ombe Road, and roads in Bamburi and Kisauni.
“The issue of poor drainage should not still be happening today. We must stop reacting after disasters and start planning in advance,” said Awiti.
Governor Nassir said the county is responsible for maintaining its own roads. However, he noted that major roads such as Links Road fall under the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
“We hope the local MP will help push for its inclusion in the national budget. We can achieve lasting solutions by working together,” Nassir said.
In response, Ali said the governor should take more responsibility.
“Press releases and blame will not solve the flooding. Mombasa residents need action,” Ali said.
He also criticised the governor for not introducing emergency measures since taking office.
“We should not wait for others to act. If Mombasa is your responsibility, show leadership,” Ali added.
Nassir said the national government should release road funds to counties.
“Every time it floods, governors and MCAs are blamed. But why are the funds still under national control?” he asked.
“We know the areas that need urgent repair. The funds should be managed locally,” he said.
Ali said his office worked with Kura to get a contractor for drainage works along Links Road in Nyali. The project, with a budget of Sh64 million, is expected to begin this month.
“We hope the rains will have eased by then,” Ali said.
He also announced a meeting set for Thursday involving his office, Kura, community representatives, and stakeholders.
“There are two possible solutions on the table: draining the water into the ocean or building an elevated footpath. However, storm water drainage remains a county function,” he said.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has also called for county governments to manage road funds.
Speaking at a forum in Mombasa on Tuesday, he said increased funding to counties would improve service delivery.
“When I was Roads Minister, I introduced agencies like Kenha, Kura, and Kerra. But today, with devolution, we do not need all these agencies,” Raila said.
He argued that central control slows down development due to bureaucracy.
“Most of the roads in Mombasa are not under the county’s control. That limits what the governor can do,” Raila said.
He added that governors should not be blamed for the state of roads managed by national agencies.
