LSK Calls for the Immediate Reversal of Road Maintenance Levy
On July 14, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) made a Ksh7 increase in the Road Maintenance Levy from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per litre.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo termed the move unconstitutional as the increase did not pass through the requisite public participation as well as laid down rules.
“The LSK calls for the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional and procedurally flawed action by the Ministry, failing which we will take such measures as may be necessary to ensure full compliance with the law by the Government,” LSK issued an ultimatum.
According to LSK, the government did not act in good faith while increasing the Levy since former Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had spoken contrary to the matter.
Murkomen during the public participation exercise had assured Kenyans that the levy would only be increased if the government was certain that any revenue measures adopted would not result in a rise in the cost of living.
LSK termed the negation of that earlier promise as undermining the principles of transparency, accountability and public participation enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution.
