The Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure chaired by Hon. George Kariuki (Ndia) has raised concerns over the effect of budget cuts on service delivery at the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

Appearing before the Committee, Principal Secretary, Mr. Geoffrey Kaituku pointed out to the Committee that the reduction between the Annual Estimates and the Approved 2024 BPS by KShs.641 million has a direct negative impact on the Ministry’s ability to deliver on the core mandates. He noted that the Recurrent Estimates allocation had been reduced from the 2024 BPS ceiling of Kshs.432 million to Kshs.333 million.

He added that, strategic intervention allocation of Kshs.152 million which had been earmarked for employment creation for the youth through engagement of seafarers entailing engagement with partners globally to enable placement of our seafarers in major ships throughout the world had been slashed to zero.

The Committee agreed with the PS noting that, for example, the reduced allocation of Kshs.178 million meant to cater for salaries for the staff of the Bandari Academy would affect the operations of the institute. They asked the PS to collaborate with MPs and engage them by publicising the academy and opportunities in the Maritime sector.

"With the opportunity in Blue Economy, Members could through NGCDF and NGAAF sponsor youths to the academy to attain the relevant skills to make them competitive Seafarers," said Hon. Kariuki.

Members agreed that the underfunding of Maritime and shipping would create a shortfall in operations and maintenance allocation affecting the implementation of the mandates of the State Departments.