The Leader of Minority in the National Assembly, Hon. Junet Mohamed, has called on the House to prioritise the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2025, warning that failure to act could cripple the country’s roads programme.

Speaking during the opening of the 3rd National Assembly Leadership Retreat, the Suna East legislator said the Bill that is sponsored by Hon. Peter Kaluma on behalf of the House Legislative Caucus, is critical in addressing constitutional defects identified in the Kenya Roads Board Act.

“Because of this, we must as a House, prioritise the consideration of the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Failure to do so carries the grave risk of stalling the entire roads programme,” Hon. Junet cautioned.

The proposed law seeks to cure gaps flagged by the High Court, which faulted the exclusion of counties from the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) and road classifications that undermine devolution.

If passed, the Bill would allocate counties 5 per cent of the RMLF, require establishment of competent roads departments, open special Central Bank accounts and submit annual programmes for oversight by the Kenya Roads Board.

Junet emphasised that the retreat was timely for Parliament to reflect on its performance, institutional discipline and public perception.

“There was no better time to call for the retreat than now. We are in the middle of the journey where we take stock of how far we have come, where we want to go and what challenges lie ahead,” he said.

He defended the House against criticism, noting that it had delivered key legislation on housing, health and infrastructure through its committee system.

“Parliament has done very well. We have passed a number of Bills that have changed the lives of Kenyans. I think this Parliament has been judged harshly because we are seen as the boogeymen of politics,” he observed.

On the relationship with the Judiciary, Junet stressed the need for constructive engagement, particularly on laws declared unconstitutional.

“We need to have a common understanding with the Judiciary. That is why tomorrow’s session with them is critical,” he said.