Why the government must prioritize infrastructure investment

By Robert Mutasi

No emphasis can be overstated on the role played by a good and serviced road network in any country.

Roads and transport infrastructure form the backbone of economic development since they serve trade, mobility, as well as access to services.

But the recent National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sittings on the financial mismanagement in the Roads and Transport sector present a grim picture that demands the government's urgent attention.

Some pressing issues were raised by the PAC's audit of the State Department for Roads, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).

They comprised misappropriations of the budget, stalled projects, delayed payments to contractors, and financial inefficiency.These problems must be tackled.

They render it harder for the industry to deliver needed infrastructure and are an indicator of underlying structural issues with the management and allocation of funds.

The delays in projects, procurement hitches, and cash flow problems that had dogged key road projects around the nation were among the biggest concerns that the roads officials cited. The principal secretary of roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua, defended the department, attributing poor weather and poor procurement.

Though these are genuine concerns, they cannot be cited as excuses for slow progress.

What is required for the journey towards economic prosperity is a steady and reliable transport system, and this can be obtained only through the timely and effective delivery of road projects.

PAC's inquiry serves to underscore the necessity for the government to ensure that the roads and transport sector is well-funded and specifically allocated funds.

Strategic investment, robust monitoring, and a commitment to eliminating procurement gridlocks can all serve to limit financial irregularity, cost inflation, and delayed project execution.

The government must realize that unless roads and transport are heavily invested in, the development of the country will remain stunted.

From medicine and education to business and agriculture, road infrastructure is vital to every sector of society.

Moreover, nations that invest in modern, efficient transport systems reap faster and more sustainable economic growth in the current competitive global economy.

The Kenyan government cannot afford to ignore such a strategic industry.

Apart from accelerating delayed projects, a massive boost in funding will also see the quality of current infrastructure rise, lessen congestion, and enhance general economic efficiency.

It is clear that the government must provide sufficient funds for transport and roads and also make their use accountable.

Besides highlighting stark loopholes, the PAC's investigation provides an agenda for remedial action.

Long-term national development and prosperity will be helped if the government makes the roads and transport sector its topmost priority.