MAUREEN WARUINGE ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST

04 February 2024

• The Transport CS is normally enjoyed for his much-used Sh 700 million figure when addressing issues in his ministry.

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen has become the target of online jokes due to his frequent mention of sh700 million for various repair or construction projects.

The latest jest involves a Kenyan proposing sh700 million for the repair of houses destroyed in the Embakasi gas explosion, with an unknown value of property lost in the incident. Murkomen responded to the jest with laugh emojis.

Regarding the Embakasi incident, where three people died and 280 were injured, discussions about compensation for the destroyed property have emerged.

A Kenyan humorously suggested that Murkomen might have an idea, quoting, "We have estimated the cost of reconstructing the destroyed houses in Embakasi at approximately 700 million."

In 2023, Murkomen proposed spending sh700 million for repair works on Kenyan roads, particularly the expressway, following acts of vandalism during anti-government protests.

The protests, known as "mandamano," disrupted traffic flow on the expressway, leading to the closure of three sections.

Murkomen stated that the organizers of the protests would be responsible for covering the repair costs of the damaged sections of the Sh87 billion, a 27.1-kilometer road built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under a public-private partnership.

Currently facing criticism online, Murkomen recently mentioned the government's plan to introduce toll charges on highways nationwide.

He suggested that users would be encouraged to utilize alternative roads if they preferred not to pay toll fees.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has proposed the introduction of new toll stations on major highways to generate funds for the construction and rehabilitation of roads countrywide.

During the launch of the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, Murkomen mentioned that Athi River-Namanga Road and Galleria-Rongai-Ngong-Karen Shopping Centre were among the listed locations for new toll stations.